The Camphor Tree – Everything You Need to Know

Here is everything you need to know about the magnificent and contentious Camphor tree. These trees stay green year long, provide plenty of shade, emit a fragrant minty smell and are just one of those trees you want to go up and give a good hug. The tree can grow up to 100 feet tall and has glossy, dark green leaves. The camphor tree is known for its strong, pungent aroma, which comes from the essential oil found in its wood and leaves. This oil is used in a variety of products, including soaps, perfumes, and medicinal ointments.

Now, I’ll admit that these trees have a lot going against them. They are invasive to some parts of the U.S., spread like crazy, are not the most sturdy trees, are susceptible to disease, and their long roots can do serious damage to sidewalks and septic tanks. Given the right setting and owner, however, the camphor can become a wonderfully beautiful shade tree for those willing to put in the effort.

Is a Camphor Tree not for you? Take a look at these beautiful Dogwood Trees instead!

The Camphor tree is an evergreen tree in the Laurel family, and is native to Asia where they are often grown commercially for harvesting camphor oil. They have shiny, elliptical leaves that are light-bright green when first sprouted, and then turn a deep green when older.

It’s small flowers bloom on three-inch-long panicles and are a greenish white to pale yellow color. Small, dark-blue to black berries appear in the spring, and are irresistible to birds. Although most camphor trees reach heights of 25-50 feet, a few rare specimens have grown up to 100-feet tall.

A Brief History – Cinnamomum Camphora

The Camphor Tree was brought to the American South in 1875 and planted on plantations, where it was grown for the same purpose: harvesting the strong, odorous camphor oil from its leaves and bark.

Cut a stem or crush a leaf in your hands, and you will immediately notice the strong aroma of the camphor oil. The oil is distilled using steam, and is used as a liniment, or balm, in products like Tiger Balm and is a mild pain reliever used in certain medicines. It also works as an insect repellant and to relieve chest congestion and inflammatory conditions.

The camphor tree does not produce berries. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are usually green or white in color. The tree does produce small, black or brownish-black drupes that are about the size of a pea, but they are not considered to be edible and are not to be consumed, except by birds.

The leaves, bark and wood of camphor tree are used in traditional medicine, but they should not be used internally without proper medical supervision as they can cause serious side effects.

Camphors are also incredibly long-lived trees. The best examples of these ancient wonders are in their native land of Japan. The Shoren’in Shrine in Kyoto boasts a camphor tree that is several hundred years old, and is labeled as a city-designated natural monument. Another camphor at Yamada Shrine in Tottori is considered sacred by people in that area because it was reportedly planted more than 1,000 years ago. The oldest camphor in Japan, however, maybe the giant specimen at Kawago in Takeo City. This behemoth is the country’s fifth-largest tree and is supposedly more than 3,000 years old.

Not only are these amazing trees long-lived, they are also capable of surviving the worst that man can throw at them. In 1973, Japan named the camphor the official tree of Hiroshima in commemoration of those trees that miraculously recovered from the U.S. atomic bombing of the city. As these trees sprouted new leaves and bark, they also gave people hope to begin rebuilding their lives.

What does camphor smell like?

Camphor has a strong, pungent aroma that is often described as medicinal or menthol-like. The scent is quite distinctive and can be easily recognized once you have smelled it.

Some people describe it as having a woody, spicy, or cooling scent, similar to eucalyptus or menthol. It is also described as having a slightly sweet and musty smell.

The scent of camphor is often used in products such as chest rubs, liniments, and medicated balms as it is believed to have decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Invasive Camphors

Unfortunately, there are major downsides to this wonderful tree. The Camphor tree is considered a Class 1 invasive pest in Florida and Texas, which makes it incredibly harmful to those environments. It is spread rapidly by birds eating the camphor berries, and is tough to get rid of, allowing it to easily displace other native shrubs and plants. One such plant is the endangered Florida jujube (Ziziphus celatus), a native species in Florida that is being pushed out by the camphor tree. 

Getting rid of a camphor tree can be a difficult task due to its size and hardiness. There are several methods that can be used to remove a camphor tree, including:

1. Cutting: Cutting down a camphor tree is the most common method of removal. However, this method is not recommended as it can result in the tree sprouting new growth from the stump.
2. Chemical treatment: Using a herbicide, such as glyphosate, can effectively kill a camphor tree. However, it is important to carefully follow the instructions on the product and take necessary precautions.
3. Root Removal: Excavating the soil around the tree and removing as much of the root system as possible can effectively kill a camphor tree. This method is labor-intensive and requires heavy equipment.
4. Preventive measures: One of the most effective way to prevent camphor trees from growing is to mow or pull young saplings before they become established.

It is important to note that before attempting to remove a camphor tree, check with your local authorities to see if there are any regulations or laws in place regarding the removal of trees in your area. Additionally, consider consulting an arborist or other tree care professional to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Fast Growers

Camphor trees will grow rapidly their first few years, then slow to 24 inches per year beyond that. In my own yard, I’ve found camphor trees grown from birds dropping their seeds to grow from seed to 4-5 feet in several months. Because camphors are fast-growing and can grow quite large, you should think twice before planting a camphor close to your house, garage, or on a small lot.

If you have one in your yard, it’s best to watch for any “strays” that pop up elsewhere in your yard. Be sure to remove each and every root of a camphor tree if you want to be sure it won’t re-grow in the same spot. Otherwise, you will end up with your own Camphor tree plantation.

Should you plant a camphor tree?

The consensus online is that…well, there is none. People either love them or hate them. I love them because I get to look at two beautiful camphor trees that are growing on my block from a safe distance. I am saved the trouble of keeping up with their pruning, and I don’t have to deal with constantly pulling pesky camphor “minions” that pop up.

So, my cautious advice is to only plant a camphor if you have the space, time and money to take care of one. Plant one – just one – in the largest space in your yard, where it’ll give you the most amount of shade in the summer. After you’ve planted it, have a professional inspect and trim your young tree to ensure it ends up as a manageable, yet beautiful shade tree.

Pruning your Camphor Tree

Your camphor will require some regular trimming when it’s young and only occasional attention as a mature tree. Trimming low branches when it’s young will result in a more compact, manageable canopy in the future. Otherwise, the tree will develop a much more open, wide-spreading canopy that has the potential of drooping significantly.

Cut branches back to where they originate, making sharp, clean cuts flush next to the stems with sterilized pruning shears, as to not spread disease. Pruning branches growing near the base will help develop a single and strong main trunk. Then, prune branches growing on the trunk so one stands every 18 to 30 inches apart.

You can remove damaged or diseased branches from an older camphor at any time of year, and if your tree is outgrowing a small space, simply prune it back in the winter to control its growth. Topping, or blunt cutting your camphor tree is not a good idea, as it will result in far more dead branches likely to fall in the future.

Constant trimming with a chainsaw can result in more problems down the road, and there are instances when careful, professional trimming is in order. Call someone who knows what they are doing so you end up with a safe and healthy tree.

How to Grow Camphor Trees

Tree Site Conditions & Constraints

• Sunset Zones 8, 9 and 12 – 24.
• USDA Hardiness Zones 9 – 11.
• Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade.
• Moist Soil.
• Clay, Loam or Sand Texture.
• Slightly Acidic to Highly Alkaline Soil pH.
• Salinity Tolerance is Moderate on Coast.
• Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.

Pests & Disease Information

Susceptible to:

• Anthracnose
• Armillaria
• Phytophthora
• Root Rot
• Verticillium

Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns

• Branch Strength Rated as Strong.
• Root Damage Potential Rated as High.
• Allergy Health Hazard.
• Biogenic Emissions considered Low.
• Fire Resistance is Favorable.
• Attracts Birds.
• Extremely invasive in some parts of the U.S.

Camphor Tree FAQ

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