Content
- The plant profile of the cherry laurel
- Particulars of:
- Origin and distribution
- The toxicity of the cherry laurel
- Botanical profile in brief
- Tips & Tricks
The plant profile of the cherry laurel
The cherry laurel can be found in many gardens as an evergreen hedge plant or attractive solitary shrub. The German name cherry laurel or laurel cherry indicates both the foliage of the wood as well as the cherry-like fruits.
Particulars of:
The cherry laurel, lat. Prunus laurocerasus, belongs to the genus of the rose family and grows between two and seven meters high. From April to May, the shrub adorns with about one centimeter large, arranged in alternate umbels flowers. Some varieties bloom a second time in September. The fleshy round drupes are initially green and turn dark purple to black by autumn. The foliage of the laurel cherry is smooth-edged, oblong oval shaped and shiny dark green, the leaf size varies depending on the variety.
Origin and distribution
The original home of the cherry laurel is in the temperate regions of the Caucasus and northern Iran. The shrub occurs there in layers up to 1,600 meters, individual varieties thrive even at altitudes up to 2,300 meters. The laurel cherry populated in the wild preferably as a forest plant, the soil regions of dense deciduous forests and prefers shady or partially shaded locations.
Already in the 16th century, the cherry laurel was introduced as an ornamental shrub in England and has spread from here as a decorative and by new breeding winter hardy shrub in gardens and parks across Europe.
The toxicity of the cherry laurel
The cherry laurel is poisonous in all plant parts. If you rub the leaves between your fingers, you will notice a slight bitter almond aroma. The toxic glycosides are contained in both the leaves and the seeds, while the pulp is non-toxic.
Botanical profile in brief
Tips & Tricks
Cherry laurel not only looks good as a hedge plant. The attractive shrub can also cut well into a ball or pyramid and then sets charming accents in the garden.