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Lauraceae FAMILY Near Threatened

Cinnamomum japonicum

Cinnamomum japonicum

Edibility
0/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitEvergreen Tree
Growth—

Cinnamomum japonicum has proved to be remarkably hardy in cultivation, frequently surviving temperatures down to -18°c in North Carolina, USA, although it has sustained some damage to the stems during a prolonged period of -22°c[1]. It requires hot summers in order to fully ripen the current season's growth, otherwise it is more susceptible to winter cold[1]. Requires a very sunny position in climates with cooler summers, but otherwise requires some shade from the strongest sun. Prefers an acidic soil with ample moisture in summer[1]. Species in this genus are generally able to resprout from basal wood if the top is harmed, and will soon recover from frost damage[1]. All parts of the plant are fragrant[1]. This is an exceptionally beautiful tree with great elegance. While young it forms a narrow column, but with age it extends horizontally spreading branches with drooping shoots. The leaves are also pendulous, and equally beautiful, their long outline enhanced by the three veins. On emergence they are pink or reddish, but mature to a slightly glossy dark green with a dull grey-glaucous reverse. The bark remains green for several years. It is probably best grown in light or dappled shade, with plenty of moisture during the growing season[1]

Propagation

Seed - the seed has a short viability and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[2]. Remove the fruit pulp since this can inhibit germination[2]. Germination can take 1 - 6 months at 20°c[3]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in a warm greenhouse[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for at least their first two winters outdoors. Cuttings of semi-ripe side shoots, 7cm with a heel, early summer/July in a frame with bottom heat[4]. Cite as: Temperate Plants Database, Ken Fern. temperate.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <temperate.theferns.info/plant/Cinnamomum+japonicum>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

  1. [1]New Trees — Grimshaw J.; Bayton R.; Wilks H. · Kew Publishing; London · 2009 · ISBN 1842461737 ↩︎Provides comprehensive botanical descriptions and horticultural commentary on over 800 tree species that have been introduced to cultivation in recent decades.
  2. [2]The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. — Huxley. A. · MacMillan Press · 1992 · ISBN 0-333-47494-5 ↩︎Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
  3. [3]Growing from Seed. Volume 4. — Bird. R. (Editor) · Thompson and Morgan. · 1990 · ISBN - ↩︎Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. A good article on Yuccas, one on Sagebrush (Artemesia spp) and another on Chaerophyllum bulbosum.
  4. [4]Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. — Sheat. W. G. · MacMillan and Co · 1948 · ISBN - ↩︎A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
  5. [5]Flora of China — Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. · 1994 · http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ ↩︎An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
  6. [6]IUCN Red List of Threatened Species — http://www.iucnredlist.org/ ↩︎A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
  7. [7]Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. — Yeung. Him-Che. · Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles · 1985 · ISBN - ↩︎An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.
  8. [8]CosIng — http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/ ↩︎CosIng is the European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients.