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Bitter Orange Flower Wikimedia Commons
Rutaceae

Bitter Orange Flower

Citrus aurantium

Purity and eternal love.

Family
Rutaceae
Genus
Citrus
Native to
Southeast Asia
Bloom season
Spring
Type
evergreen tree
Height
15-30 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic
Water
moderate
Hardiness
9-11
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Bitter orange blossoms are the traditional source of neroli essential oil, one of the most expensive in perfumery.
  • Orange blossom water distilled from these flowers is a key ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Queen Victoria popularized wearing orange blossoms in bridal wreaths at her 1840 wedding.
  • A single mature tree can produce up to 60 pounds of flowers per year for oil extraction.
  • The petals contain linalool and linalyl acetate, compounds clinically shown to reduce anxiety.

Color meanings

0

innocence

1

bridal joy

Uses

  • perfumery
  • culinary flavoring
  • bridal decoration
  • aromatherapy