Family: Thymelaeaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. pl. 1:357. 1753
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Daphne
Vegetable: False
Observations: Azores, Europe, NW. Africa
Description
Spurge-laurel, scientifically known as Daphne laureola, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Thymelaeaceae family. This species was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus. It is native to a diverse range of regions, including the Azores, Europe, and Northwestern Africa, showcasing its adaptability to various climatic conditions.
The Spurge-laurel is noted for its evergreen nature, providing year-round foliage that is both attractive and functional in garden settings. The plant features glossy, dark green leaves that exude a leathery texture. These leaves are typically lance-shaped and offer a striking contrast to the cluster of small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom predominantly in the late winter to early spring.
One of the intriguing aspects of Daphne laureola is its spread and ecological adaptability. It tends to thrive in shaded to semi-shaded environments, often found in woodlands and forested areas. This adaptability makes it a common sight in the understory of forests across its native range.
The flowers of Spurge-laurel, though not flamboyantly colorful, are significant for their subtle beauty and the faint, sweet fragrance they emit. These flowers subsequently give way to small, black berries, which, despite their appealing appearance, are toxic to humans and some animals. Therefore, caution should be exercised when planting in areas accessible to pets or children.
In traditional medicine and various cultural practices, Daphne laureola has been recognized for its properties, albeit with caution due to its toxic components. The plant’s bark, leaves, and berries contain compounds that have been historically utilized in small, controlled doses for specific remedies, although modern usage is highly discouraged without professional guidance due to the associated risks.
Gardening with Spurge-laurel requires some consideration of its potential invasiveness in certain regions outside its native habitat, where it can outcompete local flora. Nevertheless, its presence in a managed garden setting can bring a touch of evergreen elegance and a hint of early-season fragrance that is much appreciated.
In conclusion, Spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) is a fascinating plant with a rich history and distinct characteristics that have allowed it to flourish across various regions. Its evergreen leaves, subtle yet fragrant flowers, and adaptability make it a unique addition to natural and cultivated landscapes, provided its toxic properties are respected and managed responsibly.
Common Names
Eng: february daphne, spurge laurel, spurgelaurel, spurge-laurel
Dan: laurbær-dafne
Deu: lorbeer-seidelbast
Swe: lagertibast
Nld: zwart peperboompje
Fra: daphné lauréole, laurier des bois, lauréole des bois, lauréole mâle
Nno: laurbærtysbast
Nob: laurbærtysbast
Cym: clust yr ewig, glas y gaeaf
En: Spurge-laurel, Spurgelaurel, February daphne, Spurge laurel, Wood Laurel
Eu: Garatxo-belar
Bg: Лаврово бясно дърво
Ca: Lloreret
Zh: 洋瑞香
Cs: Lýkovec vavřínolistý
Da: Laurbær-Dafne
Nl: Zwart peperboompje
Fi: Laakerinäsiä
Fr: Daphné lauréole, Laurier des bois, Lauréole des bois, Lauréole mâle, Laurier épurge, Laurier purgatif, Auréole
De: Lorbeer-Seidelbast, Waldlorbeer
Hu: Babérboroszlán
It: Dafne laureila, Laureola, Pepe montano, Dafne Laurella, Dafne Laureola, Erba laureola, Erba laurina
No: Laurbærtysbast
Nb: Laurbærtysbast
Nn: Laurbærtysbast
Es: Laureola, Adelfilla, Barrabón, Laureola macho
Sv: Lagertibast
Vi: Thụy hương nguyệt quế
Cy: Clust yr ewig, Glas y Gaeaf
Synonyms
- Thymelaea laureola ((L.) Scop.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Algeria (native)
- Austria (native)
- Azores (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Corse (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greece (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Morocco (native)
- Romania (native)
- Sardegna (native)
- Sicilia (native)
- Spain (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Krym (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Tasmania (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Feb 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 28, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 12, 2019 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 30, 2019 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2019 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 25, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2022 by bismilla (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Jean-François Baudin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2020 by Maria filyra (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 29, 2019 by Creu Lopez (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 3, 2022 by Cedric Lanjuin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 3, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2018 by jose (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2019 by Manu Pacha (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 13, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Paul HUGBART (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 23, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2020 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 24, 2020 by Francisco Sanchez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 10, 2021 by Decobert Didier (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5420853)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:831270-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Daphne laureola L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 4
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Soil nutriments: 5