Family: Rosaceae
Author: (Mill.) Aiton
Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 2: 163 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Prunus
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. U.S.A. to Texas
Description
Carolina laurel cherry, scientifically known as Prunus caroliniana, is a distinguished member of the Rosaceae family. First documented in 1789 by Aiton, this plant has a long history of recognition in horticultural literature, notably appearing in “Hortus Kewensis” (Hort. Kew. 2: 163).
Native to the southeastern United States, extending westward to Texas, the Carolina laurel cherry boasts a natural habitat that thrives in a variety of environmental conditions. This evergreen shrub or small tree is prized for its lush, dark green foliage and its ability to serve as a dense hedge or screen in designed landscapes.
One of the plant’s most striking features is its glossy, lance-shaped leaves, which emit a pleasant aroma when crushed. During the spring, it produces an attractive display of small, fragrant white flowers that are visited by an array of pollinators. These blossoms give way to small, black cherries that attract birds and other wildlife. Although the fruit is not typically consumed by humans, it plays an important role in local ecosystems.
The Carolina laurel cherry is adaptable to a variety of soils, provided there is good drainage. It can tolerate drought conditions once established, making it a resilient choice for gardeners and landscapers in suitable regions. Additionally, its dense growth habit and tolerance for pruning make it an excellent candidate for formal hedging or naturalistic plantings.
Despite its many virtues, one should handle Prunus caroliniana with care, particularly due to the cyanogenic compounds present in its leaves and seeds, which can be toxic if ingested. Regular maintenance to remove fallen leaves and fruits can help mitigate any risk to pets and children.
In summary, the Carolina laurel cherry is a versatile and attractive plant that offers multiple benefits for horticultural enthusiasts. Its historical importance, resilience, and ecological contributions make it a notable species within the diverse Rosaceae family.
Common Names
Eng: carolina laurel cherry, carolina laurelcherry, cherry-laurel, laurel cherry, mock orange, wild orange
En: Carolina laurel cherry, Cherry-laurel, Laurel cherry, Wild orange, Mock orange, Carolina laurelcherry, Cherry laurel
Zh: 美国桂樱
Fa: غار گیلاس
Zh-hant: 美國桂櫻
Synonyms
- Cerasus caroliniana ((Mill.) Michx.)
- Prunus lusitanica (Walter)
- Prunus serratifolia (Marshall)
- Lauro-cerasus caroliniana ((Mill.) M.Roem.)
- Prunus sempervirens (Willd.)
- Padus caroliniana (Mill.)
- Chimanthus amygdalina (Raf.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Texas (native)
- Tennessee (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Craig Schneider (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Samuel Rivera (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Trevor Hardy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 9, 2018 by José Ricardo Simone (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2022 by William Wattles (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 3, 2022 by feralcrow (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 18, 2019 by Cornel Buzea (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2022 by Trevor Hardy (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2016 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Jan 19, 2021 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:729552-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3023558)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus caroliniana (Mill.) Aiton)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub