Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia)
Aromatic Spice Tree with Bold, Sweet Cinnamon Bark
Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), also known as Chinese cinnamon, is a fragrant, tropical tree prized for its spicy-sweet bark, which is harvested, dried, and ground into the bold-flavored cinnamon used in baking, tea, curries, and herbal medicine. Grown for centuries throughout Asia, cassia has a more intense, warming flavor than true (Ceylon) cinnamon, and itâs the most widely used cinnamon variety in the U.S.
This beautiful evergreen tree features glossy leaves, cinnamon-scented bark, and subtle white blooms that attract pollinators. It thrives in humid, warm zones and can be grown in the ground or as a container tree in cooler climates. With the right care and time, cassia cinnamon becomes a stunning centerpiece for herbal gardens, tropical landscapes, and food forestsâoffering beauty, shade, and spice.
Why You'll Love It:
- Harvest your own bold, sweet cinnamon bark
- Beautiful, glossy-leaved tree for tropical and subtropical gardens
- Used in herbal medicine, teas, and culinary spice blends
- Aromatic, evergreen, and pollinator-friendly
- Great for edible landscaping or potted patio trees
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun to part shade in warm, frost-free zones
- Use well-drained, rich soil and mulch to retain moisture
- Protect from cold when youngâgrow in containers in cooler zones
- Harvest bark from mature branches once tree is well established (after 3â5 years)
- Prune gently to shape and encourage healthy branching
| Scientific Name | Cinnamomum cassia (syn. C. aromaticum) |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Cassia Cinnamon, Chinese Cinnamon |
| Family | Lauraceae (Laurel Family) |
| Origin | Southern China and Southeast Asia |
| Plant Type | Tropical Spice Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Mid-Story / Canopy Layer |
| Mature Size | 20â30 ft tall (can be pruned smaller) |
| Light | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Year-round foliage; bark harvested after 3â5 years |
| Time to Harvest | 3â5 years for bark |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zones | USDA Zones 10â11 (Zone 9 with protection) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Cuttings, Seeds |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Evergreen; aromatic bark and subtle white blooms |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? đđż Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhereâFlorida to Alaska! đ Read the full blog here!
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