Common Name Biological Name Type Family Native Range Zone Height Spread Bloom Time Bloom Description Sun Water Maintenance Suggested Use Flower Attracts Fruit Tolerate |
cherry laurel Prunus caroliniana Broadleaf evergreen Rosaceae Southern United States 7 to 10 15.00 to 20.00 feet 10.00 to 15.00 feet February to April White Full sun to part shade Medium Low Hedge, Flowering ree, Naturalize Showy Birds Showy Drought |
Culture Best in moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Established plants have good drought tolerance. Propagate by cuttings, root suckers or seed. Will self-seed in the landscape. Noteworthy Characteristics Prunus caroliniana, commonly called cherry laurel, is an evergreen tree or large shrub that is native to low woods, fields and thickets from southeastern North Carolina to Florida west to Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. It is most often seen growing 15-20′ tall but may rise in tree form to as much as 40′ tall. Glossy, lanceolate-oblong dark green leaves (to 2-4″ long) have pointed tips. Fragrant white flowers (each to 3/16″ across) bloom in dense racemes (2-3″ long) in late winter to early spring (February to April). Flowers (each to 5/16″ long) are followed by green fruits which initially turn reddish purple before ripening in fall to shiny black. Birds love the fruit. Problems No serious insect or disease problems. Leaves contain high quantities of prussic acid (cyanide) and must never be eaten. Borers can be a problem particularly with trees under stress. Watch for mites. Garden Uses Specimen, hedge, windbreak or screen. |
Information on this page is from Missouri Botanical Gardens, Dave’s Garden, All things Plants, Texas Superstar or Aggie Horticulture |
This page last updated or reviewed [210802]