Prunus caroliniana

Carolina Laurel Cherry is a small evergreen tree-like shrub to small tree that may easily grow to 35 feet tall. It has major branches spreading from ground level to crown, and becomes more tree-like with age. The leaves are alternate with a smooth or occasionally toothed margin and a pale white underside. The bark is smooth and gray to reddish brown with numerous lenticels. Some splits and fissures develop with age. In early spring, small, creamy white, 5-petaled flowers mature in 2- to 3-inch elongated clusters. The small tree produces a black drupe that matures in the fall.

The Carolina Laurel Cherry grows best in moist but well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Established plants have good drought tolerance. It can become weedy in disturbed areas on roadsides and along fencerows. It will easily put out root suckers and self-seed in the landscape. The fresh leaves of this plant have a maroshino cherry fragrance when crushed. These plants withstand heavy pruning. Trees often have bare ground below as roots are very competitive, or numerous seedling below. This species is native to the southern United States and has a rapid growth rate which causes it to become weedy and invasive in areas where one doesn't want the plant to be. This plant is often utilized as a hedge, as a foundation plant, and in mass planting. Some individuals are heavy fruiters and quite attractive. The fruit serves as a food source for birds, but birds will disperse seeds which quickly germinate. Glands on the lower surface of leaves are distinctive for Cherry Laurels, but are difficult to see on every leaf. Mature glands are dark and conspicuous. When glands are difficult to see, rotate the leaf slightly in the sun and observe a sun striking service. Dark spots on the upper portion of the leaf are fungal lesions. This plant is often confused with the English Laurel which has glands that are conspicuous, next to the midrib. 

The bark is smooth and gray to reddish brown with numerous lenticels.   Some splits and fissures develop with age.

This plant is easy to transplant, can withstand heavy pruning and is moderately salt tolerant. This plant is pH adaptable. It prefers full sun, but is tolerant of shade as long as the soil has moisture. This plant has viral and fungal disease problems and is susceptible to borers and scale.

Fire Risk: This plant has a medium flammability rating.

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:  This plant's leaves contain high quantities of prussic acid (cyanide) and must never be eaten. Borers can be a problem particularly with trees under stress. Mites can also be a problem. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Evergreen lustrus leaves reticulate below
• Leaves with 2 glands on lower blade base & near margin
• Inflorescences short, axillary racemes & white flowered