Is Cherry Laurel a Tree or Shrub?
Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana or Prunus laurocerasus) is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree that is commonly found in southeastern parts of the United States. It is considered an ornamental plant, with its glossy dark-green leaves and white flowers, and it is often used as a boundary hedge or for topiary. Cherry laurel is also valued for its high levels of air pollution tolerance. It is a hardy plant and can tolerate drought, strong winds and salt spray.
The genus name Prunus refers to the fruit plants of the same family, like cherry and almond, while the species name caroliniana is a reference to the state of Carolina. Cherry laurel can grow to a height of around 15–20 feet, with an irregularly shaped, spreading canopy. Its bark is that of a typical cherry tree, with deep brown and reddish-gray hues. The leaves are long and shiny, ovate to serrated on the edges, with a pointed tip, and a deep green hue. Its flowers have five petals and are small, white, and star-shaped, giving way to its dark green olives-like fruit.
In comparison to other trees, cherry laurel is considered to be short-lived. It may only last up to 15 years due to the many horticultural pressures, such as soil compaction, overwatering, overfertilizing, improper planting and limited sun exposure. Diseases like root rot and blight may also contribute to its short lifespan. For this reason, it is often used as a shrub rather than a tree.
The root system of this species is relatively shallow, which can lead to the plant easily toppling in strong winds or excessive wet climates. It is important to keep it well pruned and soil-stabilized, to ensure it grows well. This species is not native to the United States and is listed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as an invasive weed species, capable of outcompeting native plants.
Cherry laurel is widely used in landscaping and design, and it can also be grown indoors as a houseplant. It is also used as a food flavoring agent, as it contains a volatile organic compound known as benzaldehyde. It is even used in medicines, as it has been found to contain numerous health benefits, such as anthelmintic, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Care and Maintenance
With proper care and maintenance, Cherry laurel can be grown indoors and outdoors successfully. Outdoors, it needs sufficient sunlight and well-draining soil. For increased soil drainage, it can be advisable to add compost and peat moss. Cherry laurel requires an annual pruning in spring or fall, when the new growth is present. This helps keep the tree from becoming too large and promote new foliage, as well as reduce any potential diseases.
When planted in pots, cherry laurel does best in a quick-draining containment. It needs to be watered at least once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil. Fertilizer can be used once or twice a year, with specific brand or fertilizer type depending on the climate and soil. Additionally, pests such as scale or larvae should be monitored
Invasive Nature
The USDA classifies cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana) as an invasive species in some parts of the United States. It is extremely hardy and can out-compete native vegetation, leading to its over-abundance. This species can also shade out lesser plants, making it difficult to control its spread. When buying cherry laurel, it is important to buy locally-sourced and certified products.
Prunus caroliniana can also produce a large number of persistent seedlings throughout the year. These seeds can be a nuisance, as they are often found in turf or ponds, leading to rapid over-reseeding. This can cause complications for property owners, as the seeds can be difficult to kill or remove.
Moreover, since this species is not native, it lacks the ability to be used by native animals and insects. This also contributes to its invasiveness in the United States, as it can quickly displace native species.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for a similar decorative plant with similar characteristics, but without the invasive nature, there are some alternatives. American Holly (Ilex opaca) is a native variety with a similar growing habit and can reach around 20 feet in height and width. It produces small white flowers and white berries and it’s more resistant to diseases than cherry laurel.
Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is a fast-growing evergreen tree that grows to a height of around 60-75 feet and a similar spread. It blooms yellow-orange tulip-shaped flowers in early Spring and has gorgeous bright green leaves that turn golden then yellow in Fall. Its cylindrical cone-like fruits contain winged seeds that birds love.
Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica) is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that blooms profusely with white flowers in early spring. Its leathery light green leaves contain an orange hue on the margins and it stays relatively small, growing at a rate of less than a foot in a season and up to 10 feet in height, so it’s ideal for use as a hedge.
Wildlife Supports
Cherry laurel is also a great wildlife habitat. Its rich foliage provides shelter from the elements and predators, and its flowers can also attract birds, bees and butterflies. Its fruit is known to attract wildlife such as birds, squirrels, and other small mammals.
Moreover, its wood is prized for its hardness, making it a great choice for furniture and decorative carvings. It is even used for smoking food, as its wood gives off a smooth and sweet-smelling smoke. This species is also considered to be a shade- and drought-tolerant, making it an easy and logical choice in hot and dry climates.
Warnings and Poisoning
Cherry laurel is not recommended for pet owners, as it is highly poisonous. It contains hydrogen cyanide, a powerful and dangerous chemical compound that can be fatal to animals and humans if ingested in large quantities. It is important to be aware of the danger this plant poses to children and animals, as well as to use the proper protective gear when pruning or handling the plant.
As this species is considered a threat to native plant life, it should be avoided where possible or co-exist alongside native species. It is important to recognize the potentially invasive tendencies of this species and actively looking for alternative species to control or eradicate it.
Conclusion
Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana or Prunus laurocerasus) is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree, found in southeastern parts of the United States. Its bark is typical of a cherry tree, with deep brown and reddish-gray hues. Its leaves are long and shiny, ovate to serrated on the edges, with a pointed tip, and a deep green hue. While it is used as an ornamental plant, it is important to note that it is considered an invasive species in some parts of the United States. It can also be poisonous to both pets and humans. For this reason, it is important to use local and certified products, as well as consider native species when landscaping or gardening.
