Cherry Laurel

(Prunus laurocerasus)

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)

Janusz

CC BY-SA 2.0

Image By: Janusz

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Janusz | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: januwas | Publisher: Flickr

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Prunus laurocerasus, commonly known as Cherry Laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the forests of the Balkans and Southwest Asia, particularly in areas with moist, fertile soils. It typically grows to 5 to 15 meters (16 to 49 ft) tall, with a trunk up to 60 cm in diameter. The Cherry Laurel has glossy, dark green leaves that emit an almond scent when crushed. Its flowers are showy, with erect racemes of 30–40 creamy-white petals and fragrant yellowish stamens, blooming in early summer. The fruit is a small cherry, about 1–2 cm broad, which turns black upon ripening in early autumn.

Cherry Laurel is valued for its dense foliage and quick growth, making it an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, and massed plantings in landscapes. It is adaptable to a range of conditions, tolerating both shaded and dry sites, and responds well to pruning. This plant thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with slow to fast drainage. While it is robust and easy to maintain, Cherry Laurel can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting. Additionally, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can suffer from shot hole disease, which causes spots on the leaves.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
Height: 10-18 feet
Width: 20-25 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Cream, White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forests of the Balkans and Southwest Asia with moist, fertile soils

Other Names

Common Names: Cherry-Laurel , Laurbærkirsebær , Kirschlorbeer , Kirschlorbeerbaum , Lorbeerkirsche , Laurel Cerezo , Laakerikirsikka , Laurier Cerise , Laurier-Amande , Laurier-Cerise

Scientific Names: Prunus laurocerasus , Laurocerasus officinalis , Cerasus laurocerasus , Prunus grandifolia , Padus laurocerasus , Laurocerasus vulgaris , Laurocerasus officinalis var. sipkaensis , Laurocerasus otinii

GBIF Accepted Name: Prunus laurocerasus L.