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Ceratonia siliqua

Carob Tree, St. John's Bread

Plant photo of: Ceratonia siliqua
Information by:         Photographer: Modesto Jr. College/Georg

 

Description

This bushy, evergreen large tree can be trained as a hedge or as single stemmed tree. It can grow to 40' tall or be kept low as an informal hedge. During spring, red, fragrant flowers appear. Fragrance is considered unpleasant. Following bloom period, 3" long green pods appear changing to brown. These pods drop causing litter. Bark is dark brown and rough. Pods contain carob, which is edible. This is a hardy, long lived tree, tolerating smog and poor soil. It can be planted in coastal areas or in warm inland valleys.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

25-40'

Flower Color

Red

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

Brown

Fruit Color

Brown

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Woodland

Accenting Features

Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Lawn

Special Uses

Container, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Shade Tree, Fire Resistant

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Irrigate in the early morning to minimize evaporation.