Cinnamon Bark (Canella winterana), also known as Wild Cinnamon or Pepper Cinnamon, is a distinctive evergreen tree. Growing to heights of 15 to 30 feet, this long-lived perennial is celebrated for its striking red flowers that bloom synchronously in summer. Its red fruits ripen in winter, attracting birds and small mammals that feed on them, while hummingbirds and butterflies—like Schaus' swallowtail—frequent the nectar-rich blossoms.
This tree is notable for its fragrant bark and foliage, which have been traditionally used in medicinal tonics for gastrointestinal relief and even to numb toothaches. Dried bark and berries are crushed for commercial spice production and have historically been used to flavor tobacco. As a landscaping element, Cinnamon Bark thrives as an understory tree, perfect for screening or serving as a striking specimen plant. It flourishes in full sun to partial shade and can withstand a range of moisture levels, from somewhat dry periods to consistent wet conditions. Though tolerant of brackish water flooding and salty winds, it does not fare well in direct salt spray.
Adaptable to diverse soil types—including humus, lime rock, and sand—this tree prefers calcareous, high-pH environments. However, despite its resilience, it is listed as endangered in Florida, making its conservation critical.
- Evergreen tree
- ENDANGERED
- Size: 15-20 (30) ft.
- Flower: Fragrant, showy, red
- Fruit: Red
- Exposure: Full sun, part shade
- Moisture: Well-drained
- Soil: Sand, lime rock, humus
- Soil pH: Calcareous (high pH)
- Nectar plant for Schaus’ swallowtail and other butterflies
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