1. Camphor Tree Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Lauraceae

2. Biology Native to China and JapanNative to China and Japan Used for oils and timber productionUsed for oils and timber production Medium sized, evergreen treeMedium sized, evergreen tree

3. Background Economic Uses Originally introduced for camphorOriginally introduced for camphor Used as an ornamental tree in many landscapesUsed as an ornamental tree in many landscapes

4. Distribution Found throughout much of Florida, Georgia and western TexasFound throughout much of Florida, Georgia and western Texas Commonly found along roadways and disturbed areas, forest edges, and often within forestsCommonly found along roadways and disturbed areas, forest edges, and often within forests

5. Camphor Tree Distribution in Florida

6. Impacts Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC)Category 1 invasive species (FLEPPC) –Ability to spread into undisturbed sites Readily establishes, displaces native trees, alters ecologyReadily establishes, displaces native trees, alters ecology High quantity of seedHigh quantity of seed Hybridizes with native Lauraceae treesHybridizes with native Lauraceae trees

7. Identification

8. Mature Plant Generally 20 to 40 feet in height, but some specimens over 100 ftGenerally 20 to 40 feet in height, but some specimens over 100 ft Any plant part will have a camphor scentAny plant part will have a camphor scent Twigs reddish brownTwigs reddish brown Seedlings under a mature tree

9. Leaves Alternately arrangedAlternately arranged Oval to elliptical in shapeOval to elliptical in shape Entire margins, may be wavyEntire margins, may be wavy Shiny, dark greenShiny, dark green

10. Flowers Fragrant flowersFragrant flowers Greenish white to pale yellowGreenish white to pale yellow Borne on panicles, approximately 3 inches longBorne on panicles, approximately 3 inches long

11. Fruit Fruit is dark blue to black, contains single seedFruit is dark blue to black, contains single seed Fleshy and shinyFleshy and shiny ¼ to ½ inch in diameter¼ to ½ inch in diameter Often in clustersOften in clusters

12. Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

13. Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants, targeting larger more mature trees first to reduce seed 3.Avoid use of possibly contaminated mulch with camphor tree seeds 4.Rouge out trees in abandoned areas

14. Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace camphor tree 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with camphor tree and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

15. Biological 1.There are no known biological control agents available for camphor tree management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

16. Mechanical 1.Hand pull young seedlings, including all roots, repeated pulling for resprouts 2.Cut tree down at ground level 3.Girdling is effective for large trees  Cut through bark approximately 6 inches above the ground, encircling tree base 4.Mowing is effective on small saplings and resprouts, but must be repeated

17. Chemical - Foliar 1.Over-the-top applications for seedlings, resprouts and small trees 2.Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide Triclopyr – 2% solution Triclopyr – 2% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution Glyphosate – 2 to 3% solution Use surfactant at 0.25% Use surfactant at 0.25% 3.Best results applied July to October

18. Chemical - Basal 1.Individual trees, near desirable species 2.Use 25% triclopyr solution with basal oil 3.Apply 12 to 15 inches above ground on tree trunk 4.Wet thoroughly for good control, spray until run-off is noticeable at ground line

19. Chemical – Cut Stump 1.Individual trees, near desirable species 2.Cut trunks/stems horizonally at or near ground level 3.Apply 25% solution of glyphosate or triclopyr 4.Cover the outer 20% of the stump 5.Marker (blue) dye is helpful

21. Useful Links Floridata Homepage: http://www.floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?state =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm http://www.floridata.com/main_fr.cfm?state =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/welcome.html http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/welcome.html Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council: http://www.fleppc.org/ http://www.fleppc.org/

22. Useful Links Plants of Hawaii Reports: http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/h tml/cinnamomum_camphora.htm http://www.hear.org/starr/hiplants/reports/h tml/cinnamomum_camphora.htm Land Protection. 2001. NRM facts pest series. Department of Natural Resources and Mines, State of Queensland, Australia. Available: http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au http://www.nrm.qld.gov.au

23. Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks. 1998. Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp