Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)
Regular price $24.95The True and Aromatic Spice Tree
Common Names: True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Sweet Cinnamon
Family: Lauraceae
Origin: Sri Lanka and Southern India
Everyone's favorite cool weather spice! Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a tropical evergreen tree highly valued for its aromatic bark, which is the source of the world-famous cinnamon spice. Known for its sweet, mild flavor and delicate aroma, Cinnamon is considered the "true" cinnamon compared to the more common Cassia variety. This small, ornamental tree not only produces the prized cinnamon bark but also adds beauty to gardens with its glossy green leaves and small white flowers. Native to Sri Lanka and India, Cinnamon thrives in warm, tropical climates and can be grown in home gardens or containers in frost-free areas.
Bark & Foliage: The inner bark of the tree is harvested and dried to produce cinnamon sticks or ground into cinnamon powder. Ceylon Cinnamon is known for its sweet, delicate flavor with a light citrus note, making it the preferred variety for culinary and medicinal use. It is rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is commonly used to support digestive and immune health. The tree has glossy, dark green, oval-shaped leaves that release a mild cinnamon scent when crushed. New growth is a beautiful vibrant red.
Growth Habit: Cinnamon is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 20-30 feet tall in its natural habitat but can be pruned to maintain a more compact size for home gardens or containers.
Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Cinnamon is widely used in both sweet and savory dishes. It is a key ingredient in baked goods, teas, curries, and spice blends. In addition to its culinary uses, cinnamon has long been valued for its medicinal benefits, including supporting digestive health, regulating blood sugar levels, enhancing the bio-availability of other medicinal herbs, relieving headaches, and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. The essential oil derived from cinnamon bark is also used in aromatherapy and skincare products.
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 young—grow in containers in cooler zones
- Harvest bark from mature branches once tree is well established (after 3–5 years)
- Prune gently to shape and encourage healthy branching
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Cinnamomum cassia |
| Common Name | Cassia Cinnamon |
| Plant Type | Semi-Tropical Spice Tree |
| Harvest Season | Bark: After 2 Years of Maturing |
| Mature Size | Up to 60 ft. with an 8 ft. spread |
| Soil & Moisture | Moist, well-draining soil, rich in organic matter |
| Light Requirements | Full Sun, Part Shade |
| Self-Fertile | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Zone Hardiness | Outdoors 8–11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation | Grown from seed |
| Time to Harvest | Bark harvest in 3-5 years |
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