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.
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Messy
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.