Family: Lauraceae, Laurel view all from this family

Description Introduced, aromatic, evergreen tree with rounded, dense crown, wider than high, and odor of camphor in crushed foliage.
Height: 40' (12 m).
Diameter: 2' (0.6 m).
Leaves: evergreen; partly opposite; 2 1/2-4" (6-10 cm) long, 1-2 1/4" (2.5-6 cm) wide. Elliptical, pointed, with 3 main veins from rounded base; not toothed; slightly thickened; long-stalked. Pinkish when young, becoming shiny green above, dull whitish beneath.
Bark: gray; smoothish, becoming rough, thick, and furrowed.
Twigs: green, slender, hairless.
Flowers: 1/8" (3 mm) long; yellowish; in clusters 1 1/2-3" (4-7.5 cm) long; in spring.
Fruit: 3/8" (10 mm) in diameter; a black 1-seeded berry with greenish cup and spicy taste of camphor.

Habitat Moist soils, roadsides and waste places in humid subtropical regions.

Range Native of tropical Asia from E. China to Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan. Extensively cultivated and naturalized locally from North Carolina to S. Texas.

Discussion Once popular as a street tree in the deep South, Camphor-tree is now considered an invasive exotic pest plant there. It produces dense stands and shades out all other growth, including our native plants. In Asia, camphor oil and gum for medicine and industry are obtained by steam distillation of leaf clippings and wood. The insect-repellent wood is used for cabinetry and chests.