Chuan Gui
Cinnamomum wilsonii
Pickup currently unavailable at Aiken Nursery
A rare evergreen tree from southern China, seldom seen in cultivation, Cinnamomum wilsonii belongs to the cinnamon and camphor clan, and the kinship shows in the glossy, leathery, dark green leaves, four to five inches long and marked with three bold veins that run nearly to the tip. Crushed or bruised, the foliage and bark give off the warm, spicy fragrance the genus is loved for. The Chinese name, chuan gui, places the tree in Sichuan and the mountains of the south, where the tree grows large and the aromatic bark has long been valued.
Woodlanders grows a subtropical species that has surprised us with cold tolerance: proven hardy in Aiken, South Carolina, and even at Raleigh, North Carolina, well north of where a tree of this heritage has any right to thrive. In frost-free and near-frost-free gardens, the wilson cinnamon makes a handsome, dense, broad-canopied evergreen for shade and screening.
In the garden, give this tree room. Reaching well over fifty feet in China, the wilson cinnamon wants an open, uncrowded site in moist but well-drained, fertile soil, in sun or light shade. Plant as a specimen, a large evergreen screen, or the high canopy of a warm-climate garden, where the spicy-scented foliage rewards anyone who brushes past. A collector's tree, and a conversation piece for gardeners pushing the limits of subtropical evergreens.
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 8–10
- Sun
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil
- Well-drained, Moist
- Mature size
- Height 50–70 Feet · Spread 15–25 Feet
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Seasonality
- Evergreen
From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.
Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.
Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.
Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.
All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.
Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.
What to expect upon delivery
All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.
Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?
Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?
We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?
At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.