cherry laurel USDA PLANTS Symbol: PRLA5
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Habit: Hardwood Trees
Prunus laurocerasus L.
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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Rosales: Rosaceae
Native Range: Temp. Asia, Europe (GRIN);
Appearance
Prunus laurocerasus is a large evergreen shrub or tree that can grow from 10-30 ft. (3-9 m) tall.
Foliage
Leaves are thick, 3-8 in. (7.6-20.3 cm) long, oblong, pointed at the tip, alternate, and are darker green on top and paler green on the underside.
Flowers
Flowers are found in clusters of small, cream to white, fragrant, cup-shaped flowers with 5 petals and yellow stamens. The blooming period occurs from April to May.
Fruit
Fruits are cherry-like, small purplish black, cone-shaped, clustered fruits.
Ecological Threat
Prunus laurocerasus can be found in woodland edges and in forest areas. It is native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe. Seeds are very toxic to humans and may be fatal if eaten.
Selected Images from Invasive.orgView All Images at Invasive.org


Plant(s); habitat
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Plant(s); habitat
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s); sprout
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s); sprout
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage; flower
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Foliage; flower
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s);  leaf
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Flower(s); leaf
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org 		 


State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources:
Native Plant Society of Oregon, 2008
Non-Native Invasive Plants of the City of Alexandria, Virginia
Reichard, Sarah. 1994.  Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States