Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree)

Botanical name

Cinnamomum camphora

Other names

Camphor tree, Camphor oil plant, Ho weed

Genus

Cinnamomum Cinnamomum

Species

C. camphora - C. camphora is an erect then spreading, evergreen tree with glossy, prominently veined, narrowly ovate, dark green leaves, flushed red when young, and clusters of tiny, bowl-shaped, yellow-green flowers from spring into summer followed by spherical, glossy, black fruit.

Native to

Eastern Asia, Japan, Malaysia, Southeastern Asia

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Dense, Erect, Spreading

Toxicity

All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

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Colour

Flower

Yellow-green in Spring; Yellow-green in Summer

Foliage

Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest free.

Specific pests

Scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. May need restrictive pruning under glass.

Propagation

Sow seed at 13-18C (55-64F) in spring.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree) will reach a height of 20m and a spread of 10m after 10-20 years.

Suggested uses

Containers, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, City, Wallside and trellises

Cultivation

In frost free areas, grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Elsewhere, needs winter protection. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely or feed monthly. Pot on or top-dress in early spring.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3), Indoor unheated (H2)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree)

Common pest name

Stubby-root nematode

Scientific pest name

Trichodorus cedarus

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Polyphagous nematode pest from Asia; occasionally intercepted by the UK. Causes direct feeding damage on plant roots and has the potential to vector viruses.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Cinnamomum camphora (Camphor tree)

Common pest name

Black scale; Coffee scale; black; Nigra scale

Scientific pest name

Parasaissetia nigra

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Present at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew for in excess of 100 years. Candidate for deregulation.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/