Camphor
Scientific name: Cinnamomum camphora
Overview
Camphor, often referred to as Camphor Wood, is a moderately dense hardwood native to East Asia and valued for its strong natural aroma and resistance to insects. The wood contains natural oils that produce a distinctive camphor scent, which has made it especially popular for storage chests, cabinetry, and carved items.
Its combination of moderate durability, workability, and natural pest resistance makes it a practical and unique species within the Asian hardwood category.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Camphor
- Scientific Name: Cinnamomum camphora
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–100 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 32–40 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: 950 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to reddish-brown, sometimes with darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Camphor typically ranges from pale brown to reddish-brown, sometimes showing subtle darker streaking. The grain is usually straight but can be interlocked, and the texture is medium. The most defining characteristic is its strong, persistent aroma, especially when freshly cut or machined.
Key identification traits include:
- Distinct camphor aroma
- Light to medium brown color
- Subtle grain pattern
- Medium texture
- Natural oil content
Working Properties
Camphor is generally easy to work, though its natural oil content can influence certain processes.
- Machines well with sharp tools
- Natural oils may affect gluing and finishing
- Turns and carves well
- Sands to a smooth finish
- Moderate dimensional stability
Safety Note
Camphor dust may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, or respiratory system in some individuals. The natural oils can also produce a strong odor during machining, so proper ventilation and dust protection are recommended.
Common Uses
Camphor is widely used in applications where its natural aroma and insect-resistant properties are beneficial.
- Chests and storage boxes
- Cabinetry
- Carvings
- Furniture
- Interior paneling
- Decorative items
Sustainability & Notes
Camphor is widely cultivated throughout Asia and is not generally considered a threatened species. It is commonly plantation-grown and remains readily available, making it a sustainable option compared to more restricted tropical hardwoods.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Teak – More durable and better suited for outdoor use, while Camphor is primarily used indoors and valued for its aromatic properties.
Paulownia – Much lighter and softer, while Camphor is denser and offers greater durability and natural resistance.
Ceylon Satinwood – Finer textured and more decorative in appearance, while Camphor is more subtle visually but unique for its scent and oil content.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain
Helps explain variation in grain structure found in Camphor.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Important due to the wood’s natural oil content affecting finishes.
Drying & Acclimating Exotic Woods
Provides guidance on managing movement and stability.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Camphor represents a unique category of aromatic hardwoods, offering characteristics not found in most other species. Its natural scent and resistance to insects make it especially valuable in traditional woodworking and storage applications, adding functional diversity to a wood collection.
Video Overview
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
Exotic Woods of the World welcomes photographs from woodworkers, collectors, sawyers, researchers, and wood enthusiasts around the world. Selected submissions may be featured on this page and throughout our website to help document and showcase real-world examples of this species.
When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Contributions help fund the continued expansion of this archive while promoting sustainable forestry education and the long-term appreciation of the world’s forests.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
• 3M Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator for protection against dust and airborne particles during sanding and woodworking
https://amzn.to/4wKyJoK
• Klein Tools ET140 Pinless Moisture Meter for non-destructive moisture detection in wood, drywall, and masonry
https://amzn.to/4upDKSd
• Pro Grade 2-Inch Foam Brush Set for applying stains, oils, finishes, and sealers to woodworking projects
https://amzn.to/4drOpWx
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