Cherry Laurel (also known as English Laurel)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rosaceae, Genus: Prunus, Species: Prunus laurocerasus · Rosaceae (Rose family) · Simple, broadleaf evergreen
Species
Prunus laurocerasus
Leaf Type
Simple, broadleaf evergreen
Family
Rosaceae (Rose family)
Shape
Oblong to obovate or lanceolate
Size
Approximately 4 to 8 inches (10-20 cm) in length and 1.5 to 3 inches (4-7 cm) wide, typical for mature specimens.
Margin
Slightly serrate to nearly entire with occasional small distant teeth along the upper margins
Arrangement
Alternate, often clustered near branch tips with a thick, reddish-green petiole
Rarity
Very Common
Color & Pattern
Deep glossy olive-green on the adaxial (upper) surface, pale lime to yellowish-green on the abaxial (underside) surface. Prominent light green to yellowish central midrib.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with a stout primary midrib and lighter secondary veins arching toward the leaf margins
Texture & Surface
Thick, leathery (coriaceous), smoothly wax-coated, and strongly reflective/glossy on top; smooth and matte on the underside
Description
Prunus laurocerasus is a dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree reaching up to 15-30 feet tall. It features dark, glossy foliage year-round and yields upright racemes of fragrant white flowers in spring, followed by small cherry-like dark purple to black fruits in late summer.
Key Features
Thick, lustrous evergreen foliage; tiny pale nectar glands visible on the lower leaf surface near the petiole; almond-like scent when leaves are crushed
Habitat
Thrives in moist, well-drained fertile soils, woodland margins, and urban landscapes in full sun to deep shade
Geographic Range
Native to regions surrounding the Black Sea in southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe; widely cultivated and naturalized throughout temperate Europe, North America, and New Zealand
Condition Notes
Healthy specimen with rich green leaf tissue and high gloss. Minor mechanical edge wear and slight superficial spotting near tip, but overall health grade is Good.
Interesting Facts
When crushed, the foliage releases cyanogenic glycosides that smell distinctly like bitter almonds. Victorians crushed the leaves in jars to create specimen-killing jars for insect collecting.
Medicinal & Uses
Widely used as a robust privacy screen, hedge, or ornamental background shrub. Historically, distilled cherry laurel water was used in minute amounts as a sedative or flavoring agent, but this practice is discontinued due to high toxicity risks.
Ecological Role
Provides dense year-round shelter and nesting cover for birds. Bees and pollinators visit flowers, and birds eat mature black drupes, dispersing seeds widespread.
Similar Species
Prunus lusitanica (Portugal Laurel, has reddish petioles and smaller leaves), Rhododendron species (lack nectar glands and almond scent), Viburnum tinus (opposite leaf arrangement)
Foraging Tips
Look for dense evergreen thickets with thick, shiny, oblong leaves that release a distinct almond aroma when torn. Ensure you check for alternate leaves to rule out opposite-leaved lookalikes.
Toxicity Warning
Highly Toxic. All parts of the plant, especially leaves and seeds, contain cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) which hydrolyze into toxic hydrogen cyanide if ingested.