Prunus caroliniana (Cherry Laurel)
Also known as Carolina Cherry Laurel.
Cherry Laurel is a handsome, evergreen shrub or small tree featuring dark, glossy green leaves. It features white flowers in the spring, followed by berries that are consumed by various birds, particularly American Robins and Cedar Waxwings.
It does best in moist, well-drained soils, although it is somewhat adaptable and can be relatively drought-tolerant. It does not like hot, dry locations and does best in deep soil and even moisture with good drainage. Prolonged saturation can cause root rot, particularly in clay soils. Shallow, nutrient-poor, rocky soils can cause chlorosis and heat stress. Cherry Laurel does not do well when severely pruned.
Cherry Laurel is a host plant to various butterfly species, such as Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Viceroy, its flower attracts pollinators and its fruit is eaten by various birds.
AT A GLANCE
| Texas native | Yes |
| Water use | Medium |
| Sun exposure | Sun to part shade |
| Bloom color | White |
| Bloom time | Spring |
| Mature height | 15-40 ft |
| Evergreen | Yes |
| Attracts | Butterflies, bees, birds |
| Host plant | Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Viceroy butterflies. |
| Poisonous |
All Prunus species contain hydrocyanic acid and should never be eaten. Leaves of Prunus caroliniana are particularly high in this toxin. |
| Notes | Native bee friendly. |
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
 Present in state |
 Present in county and native |
 Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state |
 Not present in state |
 Present and rare, native in county |
 Previously present, now extinct |
 Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color) |