Prunus laurocerasus

Cherry laurel is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Roseaceae (rose) family native to Europe.  With its erect habit and glossy green leaves this plant grows up to 20' tall and can spread to 10 feet wide. The species epithet is derived from the Latin words for "laurel" and "cherry" and references the laurel-like leaves of this species of cherry. 

This plant blooms in the spring with sickeningly fragrant flowers that bloom even in heavy shade. It is generally a larger plant with larger, broader leaves than dwarf cultivars 'Otto Luyken' or 'Schipkaensis'. It is often confused with Ilex latifolia as both have similar looking foliage, growth form, and screening abilities. Glands on the lower leaf blade distinguish the cherry laurels, and glands next to the midrib separate this species from P. carolinana, as do the erect inflorescences (versus pendent in P. caroliniana).

This plant is tolerant of alkaline soils, dry and poor soils, pollution, and heavy pruning. It is moderately tolerant to salt but is intolerant of heavy fertilization. It has a rapid growth rate with competitive roots.

Use as a screen for shaded areas or a tall hedge.  Plant it in mass in a woodland or shade garden, or even use it as a specimen plant.

Quick ID Hints:

• Semi-circular stipular scar; leaves have cherry odor when bruised
• Leaf is evergreen, coriaceous, broad elliptic-oblong
• 2-8 glands on underside of leaf blade base near midrib
• Inflorescences axillary racemes

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Better resistance than most other species in the genus Prunus. Susceptible to shot-hole disease, powdery mildew, and root rot.  This plant has escaped cultivation on the Pacific coast west of the Cascades and is classified there as a weed of concern.