Spurge-laurel
ExplorePlants
Spurge-laurel
Daphne laureola
Spurge-laurel is a lovely green shrub that grows in shady places. It has shiny leaves and small yellow-green flowers that bloom in spring, making it a special sight in the forest.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Spurge-laurel has glossy, dark green leaves that are clustered at the top of its stems, appearing almost like rosettes. Its tiny, yellowish-green flowers are tucked among the leaves, later developing into small, shiny black berries.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderMalvalesFamilyThymelaeaceaeGenusDaphne
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its small size, the wood of the Spurge-laurel is surprisingly tough and dense!
Its name "Daphne" comes from an ancient Greek myth about a nymph who turned into a laurel tree!
NEVER eat the shiny black berries or any part of this plant; they are extremely poisonous!
The plant blooms in winter, making it one of the very first sources of nectar for early insects!
Special abilities
Ability
Toxic Shield
Spurge-laurel has powerful toxins in all its parts, especially the berries, that help it defend against hungry animals.
Ability
Evergreen Power
Spurge-laurel keeps its waxy, dark green leaves all year round, helping it make food even in cold winter months.
Ability
Shade Seeker
Spurge-laurel can grow happily in deep shade under big trees, which helps it find a home others might avoid.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 50-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late winter to early spring
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Deadly
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits early spring flowers for nectar and pollen.
eats
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
Eats ripe berries, helping to disperse the seeds.
parasitizes
Daphne leaf spot fungus
Marssonina daphnes
Causes leaf spot disease, weakening the plant's foliage.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Do not eat any part of the plant, as it can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Spurge-laurel?
50-150 cm
How wide does Spurge-laurel spread?
50-100 cm
How big are the flowers on Spurge-laurel?
0.5-1 cm
When does Spurge-laurel bloom?
Late winter to early spring
Is Spurge-laurel edible?
No
Is Spurge-laurel toxic?
Deadly
What is Spurge-laurel's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Spurge-laurel pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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Where to spot
Park24 sightings7 species
British Columbia, CA
Holland Creek Park
You might spot Scotch Broom, Pacific Trillium, and Fringe Cups.
View guide →
Park54 sightings6 species
British Columbia, CA
Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
You might spot Canada Goose, Oregon Oak, and Barn Swallow.
View guide →
Park11 sightings1 species
British Columbia, CA
Gamble Park
You might spot Spurge-Laurel and Common Wall Lizard.
View guide →
