Fauna
Plant

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus

Also 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
Cherry Laurel reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthesis
ThreatsInvasive expansion in non-native regions, habitat loss in native range
HabitatsTemperate forests, woodland edges, suburban parks, hedgerows
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. OrderRosales
  2. FamilyRosaceae
  3. GenusPrunus
  4. SpeciesPrunus laurocerasus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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