I know that trifoliate hybrids can defoliate in winter and still survive and bloom from what I've read. But can Ichang lemon or yuzu defoliate and still be ok?[/b][/list]

Yes they can.

Thanks. I have some Ichang lemon seedlings that I started from seed last fall and the leaves just look so succulent and tropical compared to my tougher-looking trifoliate hybrids that lost some leaves this winter.

My ichang and yuzu trees defoliate 50% or more some years and still come back and fruit.

Eyeckr, are yours protected from wind or out in the open? I know cold wind can desicate leaves but will it also cause branch dieback?

Neither are really sheltered from the wind at all. I looked out back this morning and they have only about 20% of their leaves left but I do expect them to bounce back and fruit.

That is amazing and wonderful. Thanks for the info.

Are Ichangs and Yuzus the early stages of citrus evolving to colder climates, do you guys reckon?
With the fig family for example, there's Ficus carica (the common fig) and it's weird Afghan twin which could be seen as the genus slowly expanding into colder areas.