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Carolina laurelcherry

Prunus caroliniana

The Carolina laurelcherry is a lovely shrub that can grow tall and has shiny green leaves. In spring, it blooms with small white flowers that smell sweet and attract butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Carolina laurelcherry is an evergreen small tree or large shrub with glossy, dark green leaves that are often pointed. It has clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by tiny, shiny black or dark red berries.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus
Carolina laurelcherry
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badgespring_blooming trait badge
Carolina laurelcherry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Even though it's called a cherry, its tiny fruits are technically 'drupes,' like mini peaches!

Its shiny leaves reflect sunlight like little mirrors, making them sparkle in the sun!

Sniff its spring flowers – they release a surprisingly sweet, almond-like scent!

The wood from this tree was sometimes used to craft sturdy handles for tools or small items.

Special abilities

Ability

Year-Round Energy

Carolina laurelcherry has evergreen leaves that allow it to make food from sunlight even in winter, helping it grow strong.

Ability

Tough Survivor

Carolina laurelcherry can withstand dry conditions and disturbed soils, helping it thrive where other plants struggle.

Ability

Foul Defender

Carolina laurelcherry produces toxic compounds in its leaves and seeds to protect itself from being eaten by many animals.

Ability

Birdy Deliverer

Carolina laurelcherry produces small fruits that birds love, spreading its seeds far and wide to grow new plants.

Measurements & details

Height
450-1200 cm
Spread
450-600 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to early spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

While the berries are fun to look at, it's best not to eat them without asking an adult.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Carolina laurelcherry?

450-1200 cm

How wide does Carolina laurelcherry spread?

450-600 cm

How big are the flowers on Carolina laurelcherry?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does Carolina laurelcherry bloom?

Late winter to early spring

Is Carolina laurelcherry edible?

No

Is Carolina laurelcherry toxic?

Moderate

What is Carolina laurelcherry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Carolina laurelcherry pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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