The clove tree is originally from Southeast Asia, and most of the production of clove is for the spice industry. It takes a clove tree about 3 years to mature, but they can live to be more than 100 years old.

The essential oil comes from the buds on the tree. Right before they blossom, the buds turn bright red, which means they are ready for harvest. After the buds are harvested, they are dried in the sun. The buds are then steam distilled to produce the essential oil.