What is a mock orange tree?

The Philadelphus, or mock orange, is a variety of shrub. They are often mistakenly called mock orange trees. They get their name from the citrus fragrance that they often exude.

There are about 60 different species of mock orange shrubs. They produce flowers that sometimes resemble lemons or oranges, but they only produce a small capsule fruit that is usually not edible to humans but may be eaten by animals and insects. The flowers are usually white and have four petals. Most mock orange species lose their leaves in autumn. They are popular with gardeners due to their fragrance, and they can be found all over the world.