Cherry-laurel (Prunus laurocerasus, Sp. Pl.: 474 (1753))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 474 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prunus

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Europe to Iran

Description

Cherry-laurel, scientifically known as Prunus laurocerasus, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Native to regions spanning from Southeastern Europe to Iran, this plant is widely appreciated for its robust foliage and ornamental value.

Typically growing to a height of 5 to 15 meters, Cherry-laurel features broad, glossy leaves that can reach up to 20 centimeters in length. The foliage is characterized by its rich, deep green color that maintains its vibrancy throughout the year, making the plant an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens.

In spring, Cherry-laurel produces small, fragrant white flowers that are arranged in erect racemes, creating a striking contrast against the dark green leaves. These blooms eventually give way to small, cherry-like fruits that turn from red to black as they mature. While the fruit attracts birds and other wildlife, it is important to note that parts of the plant are toxic to humans if ingested.

Cherry-laurel thrives in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and shows a strong tolerance to both shade and sunlight, though it prefers partially shaded environments. This adaptability makes it a popular choice in gardens and landscaped areas. Moreover, it is known for its hardiness and ability to withstand urban pollution, contributing to its widespread cultivation.

Introduced into horticulture in 1753, as recorded by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus (indicated by “L.” following the scientific name), Cherry-laurel has since become a staple in garden design. Whether used in formal settings or more naturalistic landscapes, its dense growth habit and appealing aesthetics lend themselves to a variety of uses.

However, it is crucial for gardeners to manage its growth carefully, as the plant can become invasive in some areas. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and prevent it from overtaking other plants.

In summary, Cherry-laurel is a versatile and attractive plant well-suited for various uses in temperate climates. Its enduring foliage, charming flowers, and overall resilience contribute to its longstanding popularity amongst gardeners and landscapers alike.

Common Names

Eng: cherry laurel, common laurel, cherry-laurel, common cherry laurel
Nld: kerslaurier, laurierkers
Deu: kirschlorbeer, kirschlorbeerbaum, kolchische lorbeerkirsche, lorbeer-kirsche, kirschlorbeer, lorbeerkirsche
Dan: laurbærkirsebær
Fra: laurier cerise, laurier-cerise, laurier-amande
Ita: lauroceraso
Hun: babérmeggy
Ces: bobkovišeň lékařská, vavrínovec lekársky
Swe: lagerhägg, bulgarisk lagerhägg, körsbärslager
Spa: laurel cerezo
Por: loureiro-cerejeira, loureiro-cerejeiro, loureiro-real
Nob: laurbærhegg
Nno: laurbærhegg
Cym: coeden lawrgeirios, llawr-sirianen, llawryf geirios
Fin: laakerikirsikka
Srp: ловорвишња
En: Cherry-laurel, Cherry laurel, Common laurel, Common cherry laurel, English Laurel
Ca: Llorer-cirer, Llorer-cirerer
Cs: Bobkovišeň lékařská, Vavrínovec lekársky
Da: Laurbærkirsebær
Nl: Kerslaurier, Laurierkers, Gewone Laurierkers, Paplaurier
Fi: Laakerikirsikka
Fr: Laurier-amande, Laurier-cerise, Laurier cerise, Laurier de Trébizonde, Laurier-amandier, Laurier-palme
De: Kirschlorbeer, Kirschlorbeerbaum, Lorbeerkirsche, Kolchische Lorbeerkirsche, Lorbeer-Kirsche, Kirschlorbeer, Lorbeer-Kische
Hu: Babérmeggy
It: Lauroceraso, Lauro regio
Nb: Laurbærhegg
Nn: Laurbærhegg
Pt: Loureiro-cerejeira, Loureiro-cerejeiro, Loureiro-real
Pt-br: Louro-cereja, Louro-cerejeira, Louro-inglês
Sr: Ловорвишња
Sk: Vavrínovec lekársky
Es: Laurel cerezo, Laurel real
Sv: Lagerhägg, Bulgarisk lagerhägg, Körsbärslager
Cy: Coeden Lawrgeirios, Llawr-Sirianen, Llawryf Geirios

Synonyms

• Lauro-cerasus officinalis (M.Roem.)
• Lauro-cerasus otinii (Carrière)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. serbica ((Pančić) Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. latifolia ((L.H.Bailey) Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. schipkaensis ((Späth ex H.L.Späth) Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. benardii (Zabel)
• Cerasus laurocerasus parvifolia (Anon.)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. microphylla (Dippel)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. brachystachyus ((Medw. & Albov) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. rotundifolia (Lavallée)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. otinii ((Carrière) Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. zabeliana ((Späth) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. longifolia (H.Jaeger)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. camelliifolia ((G.Nicholson) Pilip.)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. angustifolia ((Loudon) Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. magnoliifolia ((Bean) Rehder)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. angustifolia ((Loudon) Pilip.)
• Lauro-cerasus vulgaris angustifolia (Carrière)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. variegata ((L.H.Bailey) Zabel)
• Cerasus laurocerasus f. angustifolia ((Loudon) Anon.)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. caucasica (G.Kirchn.)
• Prunus grandifolia (Salisb.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. camelliifolia (G.Nicholson)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. angustifolia (Bean)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. camtschatica (Lavallée)
• Lauro-cerasus vulgaris (Carrière)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. erecta (Lavallée)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. zabeliana ((Späth) Rehder)
• Cerasus laurocerasus colchica (K.Koch)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. parvifolia (G.Nicholson)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. mischeana ((Späth) C.K.Schneid.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. otinii (Bean)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. magnoliifolia ((Bean) Pilip.)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. caucasica ((G.Kirchn.) C.K.Schneid.)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. schipkaensis ((Späth ex H.L.Späth) Pilip.)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. compacta ((Bean) Rehder)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. parvifolia ((G.Nicholson) Pilip.)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. fiesseriana (Hegi)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. salicifolia (H.Jaeger)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. caucasica ((G.Kirchn.) Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. rotundifolia (L.H.Bailey)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. colchica (Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. porpaczyi (Pénzes)
• Padus laurocerasus ((L.) Mill.)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. longifolia (Lavallée)
• Lauro-cerasus vulgaris rotundifolia (Verl.)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. latifolia (Lavallée)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. latifolia (L.H.Bailey)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. myrtifolia (Lavallée)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. variegata (L.H.Bailey)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. serbica (Pančić)
• Cerasus laurocerasus variegata (K.Koch)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. zabeliana ((Späth) Pilip.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. bertinii (L.H.Bailey)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. pumilio (Lindl.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. microphylla (H.Jaeger)
• Cerasus laurocerasus subvar. rotundifolia (Anon.)
• Prunus laurocerasus mischeana (Späth)
• Prunus laurocerasus zabeliana (Späth)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. laurifolius ((Albov) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. magnoliifolia (Bean)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. versaillensis (Zabel)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis var. brachystachys (Medw. & Albov)
• Cerasus laurocerasus ((L.) Dum.Cours.)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. angustifolia (Loudon)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. camelliifolia ((L.H.Bailey) Zabel)
• Cerasus laurocerasus capensis (K.Koch)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. colchica (Anon.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. caucasica ((G.Kirchn.) H.Jaeger)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. colchica (C.K.Schneid.)
• Prunus laurocerasus fiesserana (Schwer.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. schipkaensis (Späth ex H.L.Späth)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis f. serbica ((Pančić) Pilip.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. japonica (L.H.Bailey)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. rotundifolia ((Verl.) Zabel)
• Lauro-cerasus officinalis var. schipkaensis ((Späth ex H.L.Späth) C.K.Schneid.)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. colchica (H.Jaeger)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. pyramidalis (Zabel)
• Prunus laurocerasus var. compacta (Bean)
• Prunus laurocerasus f. parvifolia ((Anon.) Rehder)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. laurifolius (Albov)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. intermedia (Lavallée)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. otini (Lavallée)
• Lauro-cerasus vulgaris longifolia (Verl.)
• Cerasus laurocerasus var. microphylla (Lavallée)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Iran (native)
• Libya (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Romania (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Feb 3, 2020 by AnnA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Gaztop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2022 by Michela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2016 by Michiel Odekerken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 1, 2019 by Emil Kow (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Taïssir Marcé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 5, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 11, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jul 11, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2020 by AnnA (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Sven Kallen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 26, 2019 by Ivaylo Ivanov (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2021 by Manuëlle (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/3021496)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:324745-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prunus laurocerasus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 5.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Bloom months: [‘jun’]

Soil nutriments: 5