English Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus
Plant Description
English laurel is a large evergreen shrub or small tree native to southeastern Europe and western Asia that is widely planted as a hedge and ornamental. It has thick, glossy, dark green leaves, fragrant clusters of small white flowers in spring, and dark purple-black fruits. In the Pacific Northwest, English laurel readily escapes cultivation and can form dense thickets in forests, riparian areas, and other disturbed habitats, where its heavy shade can suppress native understory vegetation. It spreads by seed, particularly through fruits eaten and dispersed by birds, and can also resprout vigorously after cutting.
Plant Details
| Life Forms | |
|---|---|
| ODA Listing | |
| Soil and Moisture Conditions | |
| Suggested Actions | |
| Shade Preference | |
| Mature Height | 10-30' |
| Distribution | Widespread in yards and parks |
| Control | Hand pull small seedlings. For larger plants, cut stems closes to ground and dig out stump and as much roots as possible. For larger infestations, chemical methods are more effective. Always follow all label directions. Replace with Pacific Wax Myrtle or Snowbrush. |
| Disposal Methods | Turn stumps upside down or chip and use as mulch. |
| Reproduction and Spread | Spreads easily via birds. |
| Introduced | Introduced through landscaping trade from southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe. |
| Look Alikes | Other laurels and Ilex latifolia. Somewhat similar to Bay Laurel. |
| Impact | Displaces beneficial native plants. Very poisonous leaves, twigs, and seeds when ingested. Common invader of urban parks and forests. |
| More Info |