SelecTree: Tree Detail
COMMON CAMELLIA
Camellia japonica
Photo Locations: Sacramento State University - Sacramento, CA and San Francisco, CA
General Notes
Utility friendly tree.
Small tree or large upright shrub. Has a dense canopy with dark green leaves that form a perfect backdrop for the single, deep-colored flowers and their prominent bright yellow stamens. Thousands of cultivars with many variations on color and form are available from this well known species.
Has fragrant Flower.
Native to China, Korea and Japan.
Family: Theaceae
Additional Common Names
COMMON CAMELLIA, JAPANESE CAMELLIA
Tree Characteristics
Rounded Shape.
Has Evergreen foliage.
Height: 10 - 20 feet.
Width: 5 - 10 feet.
Growth Rate: 12 Inches per Year.
Longevity 50 to 150 years.
Leaves Elliptic, Glossy Dark Green, No Change, Evergreen.
Flowers Showy. Fragrant White, Pink, Red. Flowers in Spring or Winter. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
Capsule, Medium (0.50 - 1.50 inches), fruiting in Fall Edible.
Bark Dark Brown, Dark Gray, Light Gray or Light Green, Smooth.
Shading Capacity Rated as Dense in Leaf.
Litter Issue is Dry Fruit.
Tree Site Conditions & Constraints
Sunset Zones 4 - 9, 12 and 14 - 24.
USDA Hardiness Zones 7 - 9.
Exposure Partial Shade.
Moist Soil.
Clay or Loam Texture.
Highly Acidic to Slightly Alkaline Soil pH.
Seaside Tolerance is Good in Mild Zone.
Pests & Disease Information
Susceptible to Armillaria and Chlorosis.
Health, Safety & Environmental Concerns
Branch Strength Rated as Medium.
Root Damage Potential Rated as Low.
None Known Health Hazard.
Fire Resistance is Favorable.
Special Uses & Values
Screen.
Hedged.
Cite this tree:
SelecTree. "Camellia japonica Tree Record." 1995-2020. Jun 5, 2020.
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/camellia-japonica >
This tree is not part of the SelecTree Nursery Connection. If you would like to see this tree listed, or know of a nursery that sells it, please contact us at ufei@calpoly.edu.