Practical
Plants

Prunus caroliniana

American Cherry Laurel

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Prunus genus in the family Rosaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Prunus
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Growth rate
vigorous
Height
12 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The leaves and young branches of this species contain considerable quantities of hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is readily detected by its bitter taste. It is usually present in too small a quantity to do any harm but any very bitter seed or fruit should not be eaten. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruit might be edible[1]. It has a thick skin and a thin dry flesh[9] and is not edible[6]. It is slightly toxic to humans[7]. The fruit is about 13mm in diameter and contains one large seed[5]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Plant part
Fruit
Plant part
Seed

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, all members of the genus contain amygdalin and prunasin, substances which break down in water to form hydrocyanic acid (cyanide or prussic acid). In small amounts this exceedingly poisonous compound stimulates respiration, improves digestion and gives a sense of well-being[8].

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Amenable to trimming, this plant can be grown as a screen and hedge[9][6]. It can also be used in shelterbelt plantings[5]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[4]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[4]. Wood - hard, heavy, strong, close grained[9]. The trees are seldom large enough for the wood to be exploited commercially[7].

Product or use
Dye
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Windbreak

Environment

Range
South-eastern N. America - North Carolina to Florida, west to Texas.
Habitat
Deep, well-drained rich moist bottomlands, bluffs or streambanks[9][7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind
Wind
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification and is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[5]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[5]. Protect the seed from mice etc. The seed can be rather slow, sometimes taking 18 months to germinate[3]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame[2][5]. Softwood cuttings from strongly growing plants in spring to early summer in a frame[5]. Layering in spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[2][5]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in light shade but fruits better in a sunny position[2][5]. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[2][5]. Prefers some chalk in the soil but apt to become chlorotic if too much is present[2]. Fairly wind-resistant[5]. One report says that this species is tender in most of Britain[2], whilst another says that it succeeds in climatic zone 7 (tolerating frosts down to about -15°c)[5]. A fast-growing but short-lived tree[7]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[8]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[5].

References

  1. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  3. Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009

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  4. Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8

    ↩1↩2

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10↩11↩12

  6. Vines. R.A. Trees of North Texas University of Texas Press. 1982-00-00 ISBN 0292780206

    ↩1↩2

  7. Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. 1980-00-00 ISBN 0442238622

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  8. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

    ↩1↩2

  9. Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. 1965-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20278-X

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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