Cinnamon Tree

Cinnamon is a tropical evergreen tree cultivated for the aromatic inner bark used as the spice. The name on this record, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is a synonym of the accepted name Cinnamomum verum, the Ceylon cinnamon tree. ## Identity and size [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:463752-1/general-information) accepts Cinnamomum verum and places it in Lauraceae; it lists C. zeylanicum among the synonyms. North Carolina State Extension gives a mature range of 30–50 feet tall and 20–40 feet wide and lists USDA zones 10a–12b. The existing height and width points are outside those source ranges, so the record carries the published ranges instead of an unsupported single mature size. ## Growing conditions Provide full sun or partial shade, warmth, and moist but well-drained soil. The tree is native to Sri Lanka and is best suited to tropical or frost-free gardens. [Kew’s cinnamon overview](https://www.kew.org/plants/cinnamon) notes that the valued spice is harvested from the inner bark; young leaves emerge reddish before turning green. ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist while avoiding standing water. Protect from cold and allow room for a large evergreen canopy.