| Camphor tree is a broad-leaved, evergreen tree that grows 50-100 ft. (15-30 m) tall. The alternate leaves are shiny, dark green above and lighter green below, have wavy margins, three distinct, yellow veins and are 1.5-4 in. (3.7-10.1 cm) long. A distinctive odor of camphor is emitted when the leaves are crushed. Small white to cream colored flowers develop in the spring. Fruit is a black, pea-sized berry. Camphor tree grows in full sun or partial shade, and it is drought tolerant but not particularly cold tolerant. It invades hardwood forests, upland pine and scrub woods, fence rows and urban green spaces. It is native to eastern Asia and was brought to the United States as an ornamental in 1875. |
