Plant · GBIF taxon 3021496
Cherry Laurel
Prunus laurocerasusAlso known as Common Laurel, English Laurel
Cherry laurel forms dense thickets of glossy, leathery green leaves that remain vibrant throughout winter, casting deep shade that suppresses understory plant growth. In spring, upright racemes of fragrant white flowers attract pollinators before ripening into shiny red-to-black berries dispersed by birds. Leaves, stems, and seeds contain high levels of cyanogenic glycosides, releasing toxic hydrogen cyanide if crushed or ingested.
EvergreenToxicFlowering
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Photosynthesis
Predators
Not available
ThreatsInvasive expansion in non-native regions, habitat loss in native range
HabitatsTemperate forests, woodland edges, suburban parks, hedgerows
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 cyanogenic glycosides that release deadly cyanide if ingested; wild berries also have toxic look-alikes.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains prunasin and amygdalin, cyanogenic glycosides that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed or crushed, causing severe poisoning.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for thick, glossy oval evergreen leaves, small glands on the leaf underside base, and upright spikes of white flowers followed by black berries.
- What to do
- Never consume any part of the plant and keep children and domestic pets away from fallen seeds and foliage.
Responsible observation
- Pruning Precaution: Wear gloves and avoid breathing fumes when shredding large amounts of cut foliage.
- Field Identification: Check the underside of leaves near the base for tiny circular glands that distinguish it from true laurels.
Genus Member (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Genus Member (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by José Luis Camaño · cc0
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Nonbinary-Naturalist · cc0
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