Prunus caroliniana

Common Names

Carolina Cherry Laurel, Cherry Laurel, Laurel Cherry, Carolina Laurel Cherry

Summary

Carolina cherry laurel is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, typically 15–40 ft tall and 15–30 ft wide, with a dense pyramidal to rounded crown. It features glossy dark green leaves, small white fragrant flowers in late winter to early spring, and black drupes that persist into winter; crushed leaves or twigs release a cherry-like aroma.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, is drought-tolerant once established, and moderately salt-tolerant, making it suitable for hedges, screens, or street plantings; it can be pruned for density and form and propagates by seed or cuttings, with self-seeding occurring in landscapes; bees are attracted to flowers and birds eat the fruits; leaves and fruits contain cyanogenic glycosides, making ingestion hazardous; common pests include mites, borers, and caterpillars, and diseases such as leaf spot, fire blight, and stem canker.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

15-40 feet

Spread

15-25 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay textures; pH 5.5–7.5

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

White to Cream

Bloom Time

Spring (late winter to mid-spring)

Foliage Color

Glossy dark green on top with lighter green underside.

Fall Foliage Color

No color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

1–4 ft/year, fast-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings (softwood, semi-hardwood, and stem cuttings), Layering (occasional), Root suckers

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds