Cinnamomum septentrionale Seeds | Northern Cinnamon
LATIN NAME: Cinnamomum septentrionale
COMMON NAME: Northern Cinnamon
Plant Profile
Cinnamomum septentrionale, commonly known as Northern Cinnamon, is a tall, evergreen tree in the cinnamon family. In time it steadily becomes a rounded crown, reaching 5-10 metres. Full sun is ideal, in deep, fertile ground. Given room and time, it reaches roughly 5-10 metres. Its flowers draw a steady traffic of bees and other beneficial insects. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the cinnamon family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. The northern cinnamon tree has a real and distinguished place in the research. For researchers, plants like this one offer practical material for propagation studies and selection work.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Northern Cinnamon has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, the northern cinnamon tree is a generous tree of the garden. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Cinnamon is a spice and a medicine chest: its bark oil and polyphenols are studied for post-meal blood-sugar support, and cassia bark, Rou Gui, is a major warming herb of Chinese medicine. The leaf oil supplies eugenol for dentistry and flavoring.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Northern Cinnamon, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray full sun. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Northern Cinnamon repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Northern Cinnamon: