Carob
Ceratonia siliqua
Also listed as Ceratonia coriacea, Ceratonia inermis
Also known as Carob Tree, Locust Bean, Carob Bean
Climate Match for your location
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A long-lived, drought-tolerant Mediterranean tree valued for its sweet, edible pods that can be used as a chocolate substitute or animal feed. Slow-growing and low-maintenance once established, carob thrives in arid climates with minimal water or fertilizer.
Why grow it
Carob offers reliable pod production in arid regions where many fruit trees struggle, requiring less water and soil amendment than comparable crops like almond or walnut. The pods provide dual utility as human food and livestock fodder, and the tree's long lifespan and minimal pest pressure make it a low-input perennial option for Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Unlike cocoa, which demands tropical conditions and regular inputs, carob tolerates poor soils and neglect once established.
Watch out for
Carob is slow to reach productive maturity (5-8 years), so patience is required before substantial harvests. The trees spread widely and can take many years to prune into a manageable form, so site selection for mature size is important. Seed-grown trees show variable pod quality and may not match parent plants, making grafted specimens preferable for consistent flavor if that matters to your use.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A long-lived, drought-tolerant Mediterranean tree valued for its sweet, edible pods that can be used as a chocolate substitute or animal feed. Slow-growing and low-maintenance once established, carob thrives in arid climates with minimal water or fertilizer.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Carob grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Carob offers reliable pod production in arid regions where many fruit trees struggle, requiring less water and soil amendment than comparable crops like almond or walnut. The pods provide dual utility as human food and livestock fodder, and the tree's long lifespan and minimal pest pressure make it a low-input perennial option for Mediterranean and semi-arid climates. Unlike cocoa, which demands tropical conditions and regular inputs, carob tolerates poor soils and neglect once established.
Watch out for
Carob is slow to reach productive maturity (5-8 years), so patience is required before substantial harvests. The trees spread widely and can take many years to prune into a manageable form, so site selection for mature size is important. Seed-grown trees show variable pod quality and may not match parent plants, making grafted specimens preferable for consistent flavor if that matters to your use.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Canopy
The tallest trees that form the overstory.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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