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Encyclopaedia of trees- Choosing shrubs and trees
- Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
The Cherry Laurel is a versatile tree or bush with oblong glossy laves and whitish flower clusters. It is a native of Southeast Europe where it often grows as underwood in light-flooded oak forests.
Leaves
Evergreen 5-12cm long ovate leaves. Tough and leathery with 1cm long stalks. Glossy dark green above, with nectar glands below.
Bark
Rough grey-brown bark. Later fissured lengthwise and peeling off in thin flakes.
Photos
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Types of damage
Poisonousness
All parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds, contain cyanogen glycosides and are therefore toxic. Consumption of several berries or leaves may lead to stomach pains, nausea and feeling of sickness.
Application
Hedges, public areas, parks, container plants, private parks, gardens, front gardens, verandas, wintergardens.
Native regions
Southeastern Europe
Location parameters
Light: full sun to semi-shady, soil structure: heavy to normal, soil depth: deep, soil quality: medium, nutrient concentration: normal.
Demands
Sun to half-shade; likes warmth.
Growth
Highly varied bush or tree up to 6m high. Very wide-reaching, protruding branches.
Leaves
Evergreen 5-12cm long ovate leaves. Tough and leathery with 1cm long stalks. Glossy dark green above, with nectar glands below.
Flowers
White panicles with numerous blossoms and upright. 5-12cm long.
Fruits
Round-ovate, roughly 8mm long. Dark purple to black. Ovate stone.
Bark
Rough grey-brown bark. Later fissured lengthwise and peeling off in thin flakes.