Cinnamon
Cinnamomum verum
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Pl. 5AC0 — Cinnamomum verum
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IOverview
Overview
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a tree native to Sri Lanka and known for its distinctive inner bark, which is widely used both in cooking and traditional medicine. This evergreen tree thrives in moist conditions with partial sun or shade, making it adaptable to various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay. Cinnamon trees can grow up to 10 meters tall and are hardy in zones 10-12. The inner bark and leaves of the cinnamon tree are edible, providing a warm, aromatic flavor often used in baking and savory dishes. In traditional medicine, cinnamon is valued for its ability to balance damp-cold patterns and aid digestion, reflecting its long-standing use in culinary and healing practices.
Quick answers
What is Cinnamon?
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is a tree native to Sri Lanka and known for its distinctive inner bark, which is widely used both in cooking and traditional medicine. This evergreen tree thrives in moist conditions with partial sun or shade, making it adaptable to various soil types ranging from light sandy to heavy clay.
What is Cinnamon used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Cinnamon
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional use: true cinnamon warming digestive; balances damp-cold patterns.
Cinnamaldehyde
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Digestive Harmony
digestiontea
Traditional use for digestive support.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cinnamon thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. The plant grows up to 10 meters tall and produces edible inner bark and leaves. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cinnamon for the first time
8steps
Start with a small cinnamon plant and focus on basic care for the first year.
- 1
What you'll need
A young cinnamon plant, well-draining soil, and a container or garden bed.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when temperatures are consistently above 15°C (60°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a pot with good drainage holes and fill it with light, well-draining soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the young plant into its permanent spot if using a container, or directly in the garden bed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place it in partial shade for the first few days.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune lightly to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. Harvest leaves as needed for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Inner barkLeaves
Edible uses: Oil, Drink
Other uses:CosmeticEssential OiloilSoap makingLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 27 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 27 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 1 native· 27 introduced
Asia9 regions
native (1)Sri Lanka
introduced (8)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaMyanmarPhilippinesTaiwanVietnam
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa5 regions
introduced (5)AngolaComorosMauritiusSeychellesTanzania
Oceania2 regions
introduced (2)FijiSamoa
Broader regions
introduced:Argentina Northeast, Borneo, Brazil Southeast, Caroline Is., Cook Is., Gulf of Guinea Is., Jawa, Leeward Is., Society Is., Windward Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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