Ceratonia siliqua
Carob Tree
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, Green
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Messy
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Park, Roadside
Special Uses
Hedge, Shade Tree
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.