Plant · GBIF taxon 3021496
Cherry laurel
Prunus laurocerasusAlso known as Common Laurel, English Laurel, Laurier Cerise
Cherry laurel forms dense evergreen thickets with thick, leathery leaves that cast heavy shade over forest floors. Fragrant spikes of creamy white flowers bloom in spring, followed by glossy dark purple to black berries that birds eat and disperse. Crushed leaves release a distinct bitter almond scent caused by cyanogenic compounds within the tissue.
EvergreenToxicShrub
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Herbivorous Insects
- Frugivorous Birds
ThreatsInvasive species management, severe hard freezes
HabitatsWoodlands, Hedgerows, Coastal Scrub, Gardens
Life span50 - 100 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderRosales
- FamilyRosaceae
- GenusPrunus
- SpeciesPrunus laurocerasus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- All parts contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides; never ingest leaves, seeds, or wild berries.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains cyanogenic glycosides such as amygdalin, which break down into lethal hydrogen cyanide when chewed or digested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for thick, oblong, shiny dark green leaves that emit a bitter almond scent when torn, along with upright clusters of dark berries.
- What to do
- Keep pets and livestock away from foliage, and avoid burning green branches because smoke can carry irritating fumes.
Responsible observation
- Garden Placement: Avoid planting near pastures or dog runs where animals might chew toxic leaves.
- Pruning Safety: Wear gloves when cutting branches and dispose of trimmings in closed yard-waste bins.
- Identification Tip: Check leaf undersides for small yellow glands near the base of the central leaf vein.
Frequent Companion no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) hedera.baltica, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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