General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit: Shrub
Tree
Life cycle: Perennial
Sun Requirements: Full Sun
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Partial or Dappled Shade
Partial Shade to Full Shade
Full Shade
Water Preferences: Mesic
Soil pH Preferences: Neutral (6.6 – 7.3)
Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8)
Moderately alkaline (7.9 – 8.4)
Minimum cold hardiness: Zone 6a -23.3 °C (-10 °F) to -20.6 °C (-5 °F)
Maximum recommended zone: Zone 9b
Plant Height: 12 - 25 feet, possibly taller
Plant Spread: 10 - 25 feet
Leaves: Evergreen
Broadleaf
Fruit: Edible to birds
Other: 3/4 inch purplish-black berries.
Fruiting Time: Late summer or early fall
Fall
Flowers: Showy
Fragrant
Blooms on new wood
Flower Color: White
Other: Creamy-white
Bloom Size: Under 1"
Flower Time: Spring
Late summer or early fall
Suitable Locations: Beach Front
Uses: Windbreak or Hedge
Provides winter interest
Groundcover
Medicinal Herb
Will Naturalize
Edible Parts: Fruit
Eating Methods: Cooked
Wildlife Attractant: Bees
Birds
Resistances: Powdery Mildew
Deer Resistant
Rabbit Resistant
Squirrels
Tolerates dry shade
Humidity tolerant
Drought tolerant
Toxicity: Leaves are poisonous
Roots are poisonous
Other: The flesh of perfectly ripe fruits is only slightly poisonous and safe if properly cooked. Avoid stone consumption!
Propagation: Seeds: Stratify seeds: 3 months of cold stratification
Propagation: Other methods: Cuttings: Stem
Layering
Pollinators: Bumblebees
Bees
Containers: Suitable in 3 gallon or larger
Needs excellent drainage in pots
Miscellaneous: Monoecious
Goes Dormant

Image
Common names
  • English Laurel
  • Cherry Laurel
  • Common Laurel
Botanical names
  • Accepted: Prunus laurocerasus
  • Synonym: Cerasus laurocerasus

Photo Gallery

Date: 2022-04-20
Location: Monte Latito, Guimarães, Portugal
Date: 2023-06-06
Tentative ID.
Location: Monte Latito, Guimarães, Portugal
Date: 2023-06-06
Tentative ID.
Location: Oxfordshire, England
Date: May 2016
leaves and buds
Location: Oxfordshire, England
Date: 2016-06-19
30+ ft high and completely covered in bloom
Location: Willow Street, Pennsylvania USA
Date: 2019-10-11
Location: Monte Latito, Guimarães, Portugal
Date: 2023-06-06
Tentative ID.
Location: Willow Street, Pennsylvania USA
Date: 2019-10-11
Location: Willow Street, Pennsylvania USA
Date: 2019-10-11
Comments:
  • Posted by Mindy03 (Delta KY) on Mar 25, 2012 4:08 PM concerning plant:
    Valuable source of nectar and pollen for honey bees.
  • Posted by skopjecollection (SE europe(balkans) - Zone 6b) on Aug 30, 2022 12:49 PM concerning plant:
    Ripe fruit taste is one reminiscent of a very astringent and even more sour...sour cherry.
Discussion Threads about this plant
Thread Title Last Reply Replies
English Laurel by wolfiesmom Feb 26, 2017 1:03 PM 1

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