Description

The Camphor Tree is a large, majestic, and dense evergreen shade tree with highly aromatic, glossy foliage. While it grows rapidly and provides excellent windbreak and shade, it is not recommended for most residential landscapes due to its invasive roots, large size, toxic berries, and the fact that it is listed as an invasive species in parts of California.

• A fast-growing, large evergreen that forms a massive, dense, dome-shaped canopy of glossy leaves that smell strongly of camphor when crushed.

• Provides very dense shade and is tolerant of heat, wind, and drought once established.

• Major Drawbacks:

  • Invasive Roots: Its shallow, aggressive roots readily damage sidewalks, foundations, and plumbing.

  • Invasive Potential: It is on the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC) Watch List due to its ability to spread by seed into natural areas.

  • Toxic: All parts, especially the berries, are toxic to humans and pets.

  • Large Size: Overwhelming for standard lots.

• Historically planted but now increasingly removed and replaced with non-invasive alternatives.