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camphortree USDA PLANTS Symbol: CICA
USDA ARS GRIN: 10578
ITIS: 18175
NAPIS: PCPAFBA
Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl
Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Laurales: Lauraceae
Synonym(s): camphor laurel, camphor tree

Camphor tree is a broad-leaved, evergreen tree that grows 50-100 ft. (15-30 m) tall. The alternate leaves are shiny, dark green above and lighter green below, have wavy margins, three distinct, yellow veins and are 1.5-4 in. (3.7-10.1 cm) long. A distinctive odor of camphor is emitted when the leaves are crushed. Small white to cream colored flowers develop in the spring. Fruit is a black, pea-sized berry. Camphor tree grows in full sun or partial shade, and it is drought tolerant but not particularly cold tolerant. It invades hardwood forests, upland pine and scrub woods, fence rows and urban green spaces. It is native to eastern Asia and was brought to the United States as an ornamental in 1875.

Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources


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Foliage; leaves
Forest & Kim Starr, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage;
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage;
Forest & Kim Starr, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Tree(s);
Forest & Kim Starr, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage; leaves
Forest & Kim Starr, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Tree(s);
Forest & Kim Starr, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Stem(s);
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Stem(s);
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Stem(s);
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Bark;
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Tree(s);
James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Tree(s);
Forest & Kim Starr, U.S. Geological Survey, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Seed(s);
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Taxonomic References:

  • USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.

Invasive Listing Sources:



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