This article examines the symbolism of the orange tree (ju, juyou, and also gan in later developments) in Chinese poetry from ancient times through the Tang dynasty. It will trace back its beginnings to Chuci and the Qu Yuan lore. The motif is examined as it appears in late Hun gushi, during its transformations in Six Dynasties "imitations of ancient verses" (nigu), as well as in the court "poems on things" (yongwu). Tang use and the further transformations of the motif are also touched upon, showing its development in the hands of such poets as Zhang Jiuling, Du Mu, and Du Fu. As a result, the flexibility of the symbolic meaning of the orange tree motif, its adaptation for new purposes, and the eventual transformation of the conventionalized motif into a poetic image endowed with unique personal symbolism of the poet are demonstrated.