Practical
Plants

Prunus laurocerasus

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
moderate
Height
6 m
Spread
10 m
Fertility
Bees, Lepidoptera
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees, Lepidoptera

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.

All parts of the plant contain hydrogen cyanide, a poison that gives almonds their characteristic flavour. This toxin is found mainly in the leaves and seed and 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.

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and reasonably pleasant when fully ripe[65, 74, K]. The cultivar 'Camelliifolia' bears huge quantities of fruit[K]. This is the size of a large cherry and, when fully ripe, has a reasonable flavour raw with a jelly-like texture and a slight astringency[K]. Some sources suggest the fruit is poisonous, this probably refers to the unripe fruit[20]. We have eaten this fruit in quite large quantities without the slightest ill effects (this also includes a 2 year old child) and so any toxicity is of a very low order[K]. However, any fruit that is bitter should not be eaten in quantity because the bitterness is caused by the presence of the toxic compounds - see the notes above on toxicity. The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains one large seed[11]. Water distilled from the leaves is used as an almond flavouring[10][18][19][8]. It should only be uses in small quantities, it is poisonous in large amounts[8]. Seed - raw or cooked. Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Product or use
Condiment
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.

The fresh leaves are antispasmodic, narcotic and sedative[17][20]. They are of value in the treatment of coughs, whooping cough, asthma, dyspepsia and indigestion[17][13]. Externally, a cold infusion of the leaves is used as a wash for eye infections[13]. There are different opinions as to the best time to harvest the leaves, but they should only be used fresh because the active principles are destroyed if the leaves are dried[17]. 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[13].

Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Narcotic
Product or use
Ophthalmic
Product or use
Sedative

Material uses

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

Very tolerant of trimming, this plant makes an excellent hedge especially in shady areas[2][15][11]. Some forms of this plant, notably 'Cherry Brandy', 'Otto Luyken', 'Zabelina' and 'Schipkaensis' are low-growing and make very good ground cover plants for sun or shade[7][9]. Water distilled from the leaves is used in perfumery[17]. The bruised leaves, when rubbed within any container, will remove strong odours such as garlic or cloves so long as any grease has first been fully cleaned off[17]. A green dye can be obtained from the leaves[5]. A dark grey to green dye can be obtained from the fruit[5]. Wood - pinkish grey. Used in turnery and lathe work[21].

Product or use
Cleanser
Product or use
Dye
Product or use
Essential
Product or use
Wood

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Hedge

Environment

Range
E. Europe to W. Asia. More or less naturalized in Britain[6].
Habitat
Woods in Britain[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
permanent shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy 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[11]. Sow stored seed in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[11]. 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][11]. Cuttings of mature wood, October in a sheltered north facing border outdoors[3]. Layering in spring.

Cultivation

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

Requires a well-drained moisture retentive soil[1][2]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Thrives in a loamy soil, doing well on limestone[2]. Prefers some chalk in the soil but it is apt to become chlorotic if too much is present, growing badly on shallow chalk[23][11]. Extremely tolerant of shade, it succeeds in the dense shade of trees with almost no direct light and in their drip line[9][11], though it fruits better in a more sunny position[11]. A very ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[11]. The cultivar 'Otto Luyken' is a low growing narrow-leafed form that flowers in spring and autumn. The tiny flowers are powerfully fragrant[14] but have a rather offensive odour[7]. This is a matter of opinion, some people find the smell sweet and delightful[K]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants[2], it should be introduced with care since it often self-sows in woodlands and can prevent the successful regeneration of native trees by shading out the seedlings[12]. Most members of this genus are shallow-rooted and will produce suckers if the roots are damaged[13]. The flowers attract butterflies and moths[16]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[22][11]. Subject to bacterial canker which can kill large branches[4]. Trim (preferably with secateurs) in spring or late summer[11]. Old plants can be cut back hard into the old wood in spring and will soon recover[11].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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

    ↩1↩2

  4. RHS. The Garden. Volume 113. Royal Horticultural Society 1988-00-00

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2

  6. Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  7. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2

  8. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2

  9. Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1

    ↩1↩2

  10. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  11. 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

  12. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  14. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩

  15. Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649

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  16. Carter D. Butterflies and Moths in Britain and Europe. Pan 1982-00-00 ISBN 0-330-26642-x

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  17. Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  18. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩

  19. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  20. Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5

    ↩1↩2

  21. Komarov. V. L. Flora of the USSR. Israel Program for Scientific Translation 1968-00-00

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  22. RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00

    ↩

  23. Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.

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