Camphor Laurel: Beautiful Timber but a Bit of a Pest
Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) is a highly invasive tree in parts of eastern Australia, but suitable timber removed during control can be put to useful work.[1][2]
Once dried and prepared for woodworking, Camphor Laurel produces a distinctive, workable timber used for furniture, chopping boards, bowls and other household pieces.
Flickr photo by John Tann, shared under a Creative Commons (BY) licence.
Camphor Laurel in Australia
Camphor Laurel is native to parts of East Asia and was introduced to Australia as an ornamental tree around 1822. It later became established along the east coast, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland.[1][3]
Birds help spread the tree by eating its fruit and dispersing the seeds. NSW WeedWise describes Camphor Laurel as highly invasive because it can form dense stands, outcompete native vegetation and suppress the regeneration of native seedlings.[1] In Queensland, it is classified as a Category 3 restricted invasive plant.[3]
Turning an Invasive Tree into Useful Timber
NSW WeedWise identifies value adding as a way to offset some of the cost of Camphor Laurel control, with suitable harvested trees used as commercial timber rather than simply discarded.[1]
We source our Camphor Laurel from trees that have already been cleared as part of control efforts. The timber is then dried and prepared for woodworking before being made into pieces for the home and kitchen.
What Is Camphor Laurel Timber Like?
WoodSolutions describes Camphor Laurel heartwood as ranging from pale to mid-brown, often with darker brown or reddish streaks. Its grain is commonly interlocked, with a moderately fine and even texture.[2]
Exposed Camphor Laurel timber retains the characteristic camphor scent associated with the tree.[1][2]
The seasoned timber has a density of approximately 485 kg/m³.[2]
Is Camphor Laurel Safe for Food Preparation?
Camphor Laurel has an established use in wooden kitchenware. WoodSolutions lists the timber for chopping and carving boards, kitchen benchtops and turned or hand-carved bowls.[2]
The NSW Food Authority also recognises properly maintained wooden cutting boards as suitable food-preparation surfaces. Wooden boards should be smooth, hard, easy to clean and replaced when deep cuts or damage prevent effective cleaning.[5]
Questions about Camphor Laurel toxicity generally relate to a different type of exposure. NSW WeedWise notes that consuming Camphor Laurel plant material in sufficient quantities can cause illness, while concentrated camphor can also be toxic if swallowed.[1][4] This is different from normal use of finished Camphor Laurel timber as a chopping board, bowl or other kitchenware.
As with other wooden food-preparation surfaces, Camphor Laurel kitchenware should be kept clean and in good condition.
Does Camphor Laurel Have Antimicrobial Properties?
A 2025 study published in the Journal of Food Safety tested Cinnamomum camphora wood chips, steam-distilled extracts and essential oils against three foodborne pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium.[6]
Under laboratory conditions, the researchers reported antimicrobial activity against all three organisms tested.[6]
These findings do not mean that a Camphor Laurel chopping board sanitises itself. Normal cleaning and food-safety practices are still required.
How to Care for Camphor Laurel Kitchenware
Our naturally finished Camphor Laurel kitchenware should be cleaned promptly after use rather than left soaking. Warm water is often sufficient, with a quick wash using warm water and a small amount of detergent when needed for oilier foods. Dry the piece after washing and avoid prolonged exposure to water.[7]
Repeated washing can gradually dry the timber. When the surface begins to look dry, we recommend re-oiling it with our food-safe Wood Butter or a suitable refined vegetable oil.[7]
For more detailed instructions, see our Wood Care & Maintenance Guide.
Our Camphor Laurel Products
Long Multi-Purpose Wood Board
Our Long Multi-Purpose Wood Board is made for food preparation and serving. The natural variation in Camphor Laurel gives each board its own grain and colouring.
Camphor Laurel 30cm Salad Bowl
The Camphor Laurel 30cm Salad Bowl uses the timber's warm colouring and grain in a practical serving piece for salads, fruit and shared dishes.
Oval Trinket Boxes
Our Oval Trinket Boxes use Camphor Laurel in a smaller format, where its fine grain and characteristic scent remain noticeable in the finished piece.
