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Cherry laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Cherry laurel is a lovely green shrub with shiny leaves. It grows berries that can be red or black, but be careful, they are not safe to eat!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Cherry laurel is an evergreen shrub with large, glossy, dark green leaves that are leathery to the touch. It has small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers growing in upright spikes, followed by shiny, cherry-like black fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusPrunus
Cherry laurel
flowering trait badgeornamental trait badgeshrub trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Cherry laurel

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Despite its name, it's more closely related to plums and cherries than true bay laurels.

Some parts of the Cherry laurel actually smell like almonds when crushed, due to its chemical compounds!

This plant is so tough, it can grow in many different soils and even in shady spots!

While the fruit flesh is safe for birds, the seed inside contains a chemical defense!

Special abilities

Ability

Year-Round Energy

Cherry laurel has evergreen leaves that help it photosynthesize and make food all year long, even in winter.

Ability

Toxic Shield

Cherry laurel produces a natural cyanide in its leaves and seeds, which helps it defend against hungry animals.

Ability

Rapid Growth

Cherry laurel can grow very quickly, helping it establish itself fast and outcompete other plants for light.

Measurements & details

Height
200-1000 cm
Spread
200-800 cm
Flower Size
0.5-0.8 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar from its spring flowers.

shelters

Eurasian Blackcap

Sylvia atricapilla

uses its dense foliage for nesting and cover.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't eat the berries, as they can make you feel unwell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Cherry laurel?

200-1000 cm

How wide does Cherry laurel spread?

200-800 cm

How big are the flowers on Cherry laurel?

0.5-0.8 cm

When does Cherry laurel bloom?

Spring

Is Cherry laurel edible?

No

Is Cherry laurel toxic?

High

What is Cherry laurel's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Cherry laurel pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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