Carolina Cherry-laurel, Cherry-laurel, Laurel Cherry, Carolina Laurel Cherry, Laurocerasus caroliniana
Prunus caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Cherry Laurel or Carolina Laurelcherry, is a fast-growing, evergreen tree or large shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae). Native to the southeastern United States, it is prized for its dense, glossy green foliage, fragrant white flowers, and adaptability to a variety of landscapes. It makes an excellent hedge, screen, or ornamental specimen, especially in warm climates.
Despite its common name, Carolina Cherry Laurel is not a true laurel like Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis). Instead, it belongs to the Prunus genus, which also includes familiar fruit trees such as cherries, plums, and almonds.
Carolina Cherry Laurel is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas. It is commonly found in coastal plains, forest understories, and disturbed sites. Its native habitat includes moist woods, thickets, and sandy soils near riverbanks.
Carolina Cherry Laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a dense, upright to pyramidal form. It can be trained as a multi-stemmed screen or as a single-trunked tree. Its naturally dense growth makes it ideal for hedges, windbreaks, and privacy barriers.
This plant typically grows 15–30 feet tall (4.5 to 9 meters) but can reach up to 40 feet (12 meters) in ideal conditions. Its spread ranges from 10 to 25 feet (3 to 7.5 meters).
With a moderate to fast growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year, it’s a popular choice for gardeners seeking quick coverage.
Carolina Cherry Laurel can live 25 years or more when provided with suitable growing conditions and regular maintenance.
Fragrant, creamy-white flowers bloom in late winter to mid-spring, forming narrow racemes up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long. The blooms attract bees and other early-season pollinators.
After flowering, small, fleshy, reddish-purple drupes develop in late summer, ripening to shiny black by fall. These cherry-like fruits are visually attractive and persist into winter, providing seasonal interest. While the berries are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, they are a valuable food source for birds, which often consume them quickly once ripe.
The evergreen foliage consists of glossy, leathery leaves that are dark green on top and lighter beneath. Leaves are oblong, 2–4 inches long, with smooth or finely serrated margins. Crushed leaves emit an almond-like aroma due to cyanogenic compounds.
The bark is smooth and grayish-brown when young, aging into a rougher, scaly texture. Older trunks develop an attractive, fissured pattern.
Carolina Cherry Laurel is hardy in USDA zones 7B through 10A. This means it can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 5°F (-15°C) in zone 7B and up to 30°F (-1°C) in zone 10A.
Carolina Cherry Laurel supports a wide range of wildlife throughout the year. Its fragrant spring flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies and pollen for native bees, making it a valuable early-season resource in pollinator gardens. It is a host plant for several butterfly species, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus), Coral Hairstreak, Red-spotted Purple, Spring and Summer Azures, and Viceroy butterflies, supporting their larval development. How to Create a Butterfly Garden
The dense evergreen canopy offers excellent shelter and nesting opportunities for birds and small mammals, particularly during winter and periods of extreme weather. Its persistent black fruits are consumed by a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, raccoons, foxes, and other small mammals. White-tailed deer may browse the foliage occasionally, especially in areas where food is scarce.
Once established, Carolina Cherry Laurel exhibits excellent drought tolerance. It is considered moderately salt-tolerant, making it viable for coastal regions with light salt exposure.
Carolina Cherry Laurel is highly toxic to humans, cats, dogs, horses, and livestock. All parts of the plant—especially the leaves, seeds, and stems—contain cyanogenic glycosides, including amygdalin and prunasin, which can release cyanide when ingested.
Ingestion may lead to gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, and respiratory failure. Wilting plant material is particularly hazardous due to increased cyanide concentration. In severe cases, brick-red mucous membranes, panting, and shock may occur.
Exercise caution when planting Carolina Cherry Laurel near children’s play areas, animal enclosures, or livestock pastures.
Poisonous Flowers and Plants: Identifying Toxic Risks Around You
Carolina Cherry Laurel is typically resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, though young plants may be nibbled in areas with high wildlife pressure.
Invasiveness: Prunus caroliniana is not considered invasive but can be aggressive in its spread. It self-seeds prolifically and can spread aggressively in favorable conditions.
Carolina Cherry Laurel can be propagated by seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings, or occasionally by layering. While propagation from seed is possible, it is slow and may not produce plants true to type. For faster and more reliable results, semi-hardwood cuttings are the most commonly used method in nurseries and gardens.
Carolina Cherry Laurel is generally resilient, but several pests may occasionally affect its health and appearance. Regular monitoring and preventive care help reduce pest infestations.
Fungal and bacterial diseases may occur under humid, crowded, or poorly drained conditions. Proper spacing and watering practices help minimize risk.
Carolina Cherry Laurel grows as a dense, upright evergreen shrub or small tree with a naturally pyramidal to oval form. It typically reaches 15 to 40 feet in height and is often planted as a hedge, screen, or specimen due to its full foliage and fast growth.
This plant adapts well to many soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. For best results, plant it in well-draining soil, as overly wet conditions can increase the risk of root diseases.
After establishment, it tolerates dry conditions but benefits from deep watering during prolonged drought. During hot, dry periods, provide consistent moisture while allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Within its native range, it behaves predictably in landscapes. However, in areas with favorable conditions, it can spread readily by seed, so monitor young plants and remove volunteers if necessary.
This plant may encounter issues such as aphids, scale, or spider mites. Fungal diseases like shot hole or root rot can develop in humid or poorly drained environments. Proper pruning and airflow help reduce problems.
Trim in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Pruning encourages a fuller shape, controls size, and removes any damaged or crowded branches to keep the plant healthy.
Yes. The leaves, stems, and seeds contain compounds that release cyanide when consumed. It is toxic to people, pets, and livestock, so avoid planting where accidental ingestion is a concern.
Its spring flowers attract bees and butterflies, while birds, foxes, and small mammals feed on the berries. The dense evergreen growth also offers shelter and nesting space for various wildlife species.
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 25' (3m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden |
Hardiness |
7 - 10 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rosaceae |
Genus | Prunus - Flowering Cherry Tree |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 15' - 30' (4.6m - 9.1m) |
Spread | 10' - 25' (3m - 7.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Native Plants | United States, Southwest, Southeast, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Deer, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Coastal Garden |
How many Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Cherry Laurel) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
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Prunus caroliniana (Carolina Cherry Laurel) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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