St. John's Bread, or carob, is an evergreen Mediterranean native that grows into a slow, stately tree reaching 30 to 50 feet tall with a dense, rounded crown. Hardy in zones 9 to 10, this ancient tree produces long, leathery seedpods that are both edible and ornamentally striking. It thrives on neglect, tolerating drought, poor rocky soils, and urban pollution while asking for little more than full sun and well-draining soil. This is a tree that improves with maturity, becoming more productive and resilient the longer it grows.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-10
600in H x 600in W
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Moderate
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Carob grows with remarkable self-sufficiency, handling drought, shallow rocky ground, and salt spray without complaint. Its dense canopy and stout structure make it an exceptional shade and street tree in warm climates. The glossy compound leaves remain year-round, and come autumn through early winter, the tree develops showy edible seedpods that add visual interest long after the inconspicuous flowers fade. Young plants do need patience and protection from frost, but once established, mature trees demand almost nothing.
Carob serves primarily as a shade and street tree in warm climates, valued for its dense canopy, stout frame, and ability to withstand urban stresses. The edible seedpods are the tree's secondary draw, offering a practical harvest for those in suitable zones. Beyond ornamental use, the tree functions as a working landscape element, providing year-round structure and occasional fruit production with minimal management.
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“Ceratonia siliqua originated in the eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Peninsula, where it has been cultivated for millennia. The tree has spread throughout Mediterranean regions and warm temperate zones worldwide, now thriving in coastal South Africa, southern Australia, western North America, and Chile. Its deep roots in Mediterranean agriculture and its survival across such diverse climates speak to both its age as a crop and its remarkable adaptability. The common name St. John's Bread carries religious and historical weight, a legacy of the tree's prominence in regions where it has fed people and livestock for thousands of years.”