Navel orange trees, in general, and Carter navel orange trees in particular, are not very vigorous trees. They have a round, somewhat drooping canopy and grow to a moderate size at maturity. The flowers lack viable pollen so the Carter navel orange will not pollinate other citrus trees. Because of the lack of functional pollen and viable ovules, the Carter navel orange produces seedless fruits. These large round fruits have a slightly pebbled orange rind that is easily peeled, and the navel, really a small secondary fruit, sometimes protrudes from the apex of the fruit. The Carter navel orange is at its best in the late fall to winter months, but will hold on the tree for several months beyond maturity and stores well.
