Camphor Tree

(Cinnamomum camphora)

Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cinnamomum camphora, commonly known as camphor tree, camphorwood, or camphor laurel, is an evergreen tree native to moist forests, grasslands, and along riverbanks in Southeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. It can grow up to 20–30 m (66–98 ft) tall with a trunk circumference exceeding 20 m (66 ft) in some older specimens. The camphor tree has a dense, rounded canopy with glossy, waxy leaves that emit a strong camphor scent when crushed. In spring, it produces small white flowers that are not particularly showy, followed by clusters of black, berry-like fruit approximately 1 cm (0.39 in) in diameter. The pale bark is rough and deeply fissured.

The camphor tree is valued for its aromatic leaves and wood, which are used to produce camphor oil. It is often planted as a shade tree in parks and large gardens due to its broad canopy and evergreen foliage. The tree is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from medium amounts of water during dry periods. However, gardeners should be cautious as Cinnamomum camphora can become invasive outside its native range, and it is considered a weed in parts of Australia and the southern United States.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 50-65 feet
  • Width: 50-60 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Fragrant

Natural Habitat

Moist forests, grasslands, and riverbanks in Southeast Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Camphor Laurel , Camphorwood , Kamferträd , 녹나무 , Alcanfor , Camphrier , Kampferbaum

Scientific Names: Cinnamomum camphora , Camphora officinarum , Camphora officinalis , Cinnamomum camphora var. nominale , Laurus camphora , Cinnamomum nominale , Cinnamomum simondii , Cinnamomum camphora f. linaloolifera , Cinnamomum camphora var. glaucescens , Cinnamomum camphora var. rotundifolia

GBIF Accepted Name: Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J.Presl