Camphor Tree
Best long-lived shade tree for spacious, sunny landscapes.
The Camphor Tree is a large, evergreen specimen celebrated for its glossy, aromatic foliage that releases the distinct scent of camphor. It boasts an impressive upright spreading habit, making it an ideal choice for accent or shade in your landscape. This tree graces gardens with lightly-scented white flowers in late winter to early spring, followed by attractive black berries. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, sandy, alkaline soil. Due to its potential toxicity and invasive nature, careful placement is advised. It's a long-lived tree, often exceeding 150 years.
$109.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
290
/ 1245
#290 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
+3%
Above average
Mature Height
60
/ feet
Who it's for
- Homeowners needing rapid shade for large outdoor spaces
- Busy gardeners seeking low-maintenance, resilient landscape additions
- Sensory garden enthusiasts wanting natural insect-repelling foliage
Who should skip it
- Property owners concerned about foundation or sidewalk damage
- Minimalists wanting a low-maintenance, tidy yard
- Urban dwellers with limited space or overhead power lines
Performance breakdown
Landscape Impact
Massive canopy and upright habit create an immediate, commanding focal point.
Maintenance Effort
Frequent fruit drop requires consistent cleanup to maintain a tidy space.
Urban Resilience
Robust tolerance for city pollution makes it a reliable street tree.
Aromatic Appeal
Distinctive camphor scent provides a unique sensory experience for your garden.
Growth Pace
Slow development requires patience before achieving full, mature shade coverage.
Environmental Compatibility
Invasive tendencies and toxicity risks demand careful, strategic site selection.
Key Specs
Mature Height
60 feet
Mature Width
50 feet
Growth Rate
Slow
Bloom Time
Late Winter to Early Spring
Light Needs
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Water Needs
Average to Moist
Hardiness Zone
8b
Foliage Type
Evergreen
Features
- Evergreen with aromatic camphor-scented foliage
- Showy white flowers in late winter/early spring
- Tolerant of urban pollution
- Long-lived heritage tree potential
- Attractive dark green foliage year-round
- Upright spreading habit for landscape impact
- Messy fruit requires occasional clean-up
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and robust health of the Camphor Trees sourced from Armstrong Garden Centers. The primary theme is reliability; buyers report high success rates in establishment, noting strong root systems and vibrant foliage upon purchase. While the price reflects premium nursery stock, consumers feel the superior quality and long term survival rate offer excellent value, making this a trusted choice for significant landscaping projects.
Know before you buy
These trees grow quite large, reaching up to 60 feet in height and 50 feet in width. You should plant them in an area with plenty of room for their upright, spreading canopy to develop without encroaching on structures or power lines.
It is relatively low-maintenance in terms of health, but it does produce black berries that can create a mess on sidewalks or patios. You should expect to perform occasional clean-up to manage the fallen fruit.
Yes, it can be grown in a container, though its ultimate size will be restricted compared to a tree planted in the ground. Ensure the container is large enough to support its root system and provides excellent drainage.
The Camphor Tree thrives in sandy, alkaline soil. It prefers consistent moisture, so ensure your planting site allows for average to moist conditions while maintaining good drainage.
Yes, the Camphor Tree is considered invasive in certain regions and contains compounds that can be toxic if ingested. It is best to research local regulations and avoid planting it near sensitive natural areas or where children and pets may be tempted to eat the foliage or berries.
The Camphor Tree has a slow growth rate, meaning it will take many years to reach its mature height of 60 feet. However, its long lifespan—often exceeding 150 years—makes it a significant, permanent investment for your landscape.
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$110