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Prunus caroliniana

Carolina laurelcherry

Rosaceae southeastern United States

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 7–10

Overview

Prunus caroliniana, Carolina laurelcherry, is an evergreen tree or large shrub in the rose family, native to the southeastern United States. It grows 15-40 feet (4.5-12 m) tall with a dense, upright to oval crown 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) wide. The glossy dark green leaves are lance-shaped, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with smooth or finely toothed edges, and give off a maraschino-cherry scent when crushed. Short clusters of small creamy-white flowers open from late winter into spring, followed by shiny black fruits about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across that persist into winter and are eaten by birds. The species grows quickly and forms a thick screen, which has made it a frequent hedge and boundary planting in mild regions. The leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic compounds that release hydrogen cyanide when chewed and are poisonous to people, pets, and livestock. Birds spread the seed widely, and the plant self-sows freely, escaping into woodland edges where it is treated as weedy in parts of its range. It tolerates heat, drought, and a range of soils once established.

Native Range

Native to the southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas, mostly on the coastal plain. It grows in woodland edges, fence rows, hammocks, and along streams on a range of well-drained soils.

Suggested Uses

Used as a fast-growing evergreen screen, clipped hedge, or small shade tree in mild-winter regions. Planted along boundaries and in coastal gardens where salt and drought tolerance are needed.

How to Identify

Recognized by glossy, leathery evergreen leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long that smell of cherry or almond when crushed, and by short clusters of small white flowers in late winter. The shiny black, single-seeded fruits and the cyanide odor of the foliage separate it from broadleaf evergreens such as Ilex spp. hollies, which have spiny or rounded leaves and red fruit.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 40'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~3 weeks

Winter Spring

Creamy-white flowers open in short racemes from February to April, lasting about 2-4 weeks. The flowers carry a light fragrance and draw early bees. Black fruits ripen in fall and hang on the plant through winter.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

fast; 10-15 years to full size

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun to partial shade on well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils, and tolerates heat, salt spray, and drought once established. It grows rapidly and responds well to shearing, which suits it to clipped hedges. Propagation is by seed, which germinates readily, or by softwood cuttings. The plant self-seeds heavily and can become weedy, with seedlings appearing well beyond the original planting. Borers, scale, and shot-hole fungus can affect stressed trees. All parts except the fruit pulp contain cyanogenic compounds toxic to people and animals.

Pruning

Tolerates regular shearing and can be cut back hard to renew an overgrown hedge. Shape in late spring after flowering, before new growth hardens. Removing seedlings and spent fruit clusters reduces unwanted spread.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans