Wood Species Guide

Camphor

Cinnamomum camphora (syn. Camphora officinarum)

Also called: Camphor Laurel, Camphorwood, Camphor Tree, Japanese Camphor, Formosan Camphor

Camphor is an aromatic East Asian tree that now grows wild across Florida, and its wood is warm, figured and smells wonderful. Salvaged Florida camphor makes beautiful chests, boxes and small tables.
Domestic InvasiveFloridaHardwoodTropical Slab Woods
Good forTabletops & SlabsRiver TablesOutdoor & Rot-ResistantTurning

About the name “Camphor”

The trade name camphorwood is also used for unrelated woods such as Borneo camphor (Dryobalanops) and East African camphor (Ocotea usambarensis).

What Camphor looks like

Heartwood ranges from light olive or tan to reddish brown, often with darker streaks and swirls. Burls and crotches can be dramatic. Sapwood is a pale cream.

Grain and texture

Grain is straight to interlocked with a medium texture and a satin luster. Figured and curly areas are common, especially near crotches.

Working Camphor: planing, cutting and gluing

Medium density makes it easy to cut and shape. Interlocked grain can cause minor tearout, so plane with sharp knives and a light pass. It glues and finishes well. The strong camphor smell fills the shop when you cut it, a smell many people love.

Finishing Camphor: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes oil, hardwax oil and film finishes well. The natural oils are not usually a problem for epoxy, but a quick acetone wipe and a seal coat before pouring are cheap insurance. The scent fades a lot once the wood is sealed.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Rated durable against decay, with mixed insect resistance. It is reasonably stable. In Florida, acclimate slabs inside, finish both faces and keep outdoor pieces covered.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

Camphor is a true Florida wood story: it was planted widely across the state, now grows wild, and storm-downed trees give us gorgeous figured slabs. We love it for side tables, small coffee tables, boxes and chests, where the scent is a bonus and keeps moths away. We skip it for cutting boards since the camphor oil can flavor food. Expect your shop to smell like a chest of drawers for a day.

Common uses for Camphor

Chests and boxes, cabinetry, furniture, carving, turning, burl veneer.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Camphor is a Category I invasive species on the Florida Invasive Species Council (formerly FLEPPC) list, so using salvaged Florida trees is a good use of an invasive tree.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating ModerateWhat the ratings mean
  • Skin irritation
  • Respiratory / asthma
  • Nausea or headache

The dust and strong aroma can irritate skin and airways, and headaches, dizziness and asthma-like symptoms have been reported. Camphor oil is poisonous if swallowed.

In the shop
Dust collection + respirator; good ventilation; gloves for sensitive skin
Food contact
Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

The dust and aroma can cause skin and respiratory irritation, headaches or dizziness in some people, and asthma-like symptoms have been reported. Work it with good ventilation and a respirator. Camphor oil is toxic if swallowed.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Camphor in stock now

Live edge slabs in stock (1)

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Similar woods: Tropical Slab Woods

See the Tropical Slab Woods group guide

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