camphortree
(Cinnamomum camphora (L.) J. Presl)

Overview

Appearance

Cinnamomum camphora is a broad-leaved, evergreen tree that grows 50-100 ft. (15-30 m) tall.

Foliage

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.

Flowers

Small white to cream colored flowers develop in the spring.

Fruit

Fruit is a black, pea-sized berry.

Ecological Threat

Cinnamomum camphora 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.

Resources

• Images, Video and Information - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
• Invasive Species Management Plans for Florida - University of Florida - Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
• Floridata # 854 - Floridata.com
• Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
• VTree ID - Virginia Tech

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Alabama Invasive Plant Council
• Alachua County Cogongrass Initiative
• Apalachicola Invasive Working Group
• Florida Invasive Plant Council - Plant List - Category I
• Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council - Category 2
• Nonnative Invasive Species in Southern Forest and Grassland Ecosystems
• Reichard, Sarah. 1994.  Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
• South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council
• Treasure Coast Cooperative Invasive Species Mgmt. Area
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References