Campus Tree Tour
Rosaceae - Rose Family
In 2024, this Carolina laurelcherry measured 33 feet tall and had a diameter of 6 inches. Based on USDA Forest Service models, it will absorb approximately 737 lbs. of carbon over the next 20 years. Put simply, this tree will offset up to 2,980 car miles worth of carbon dioxide.
See all trees on our Campus Tree Tour.
Introduction
Carolina laurelcherry is a small tree with shiny evergreen leaves native to the Southeastern United States. This tree’s crushed leaves smell like maraschino cherries. However, the leaves and berries are poisonous to humans. This species grows in disturbed forests and is often found in urban settings along fencerows, edges of properties, or pine plantations.
Physical Description
Life expectancy: 60 – 80 years
Height: 25 – 40 feet
Crown: 15 – 25 feet
Diameter: Less than 20 inches
Bark: Thin, smooth, reddish brown bark with lenticels that becomes greyer as it matures.
Leaves: Evergreen leaves are simple, alternately arranged, and elliptic to lanceolate in shape. The upper surface is glossy green while underneath is a paler green with 2 glands at the base of the leaf.
The margin (edges) varies from being completely to partially serrate, and upon being crushed, the leaves smell like maraschino cherries.
Twigs: Reddish brown with lenticels when young.
Flowers: Small fragrant white flowers produced during winter and early spring on 2 to 3-inch-long racemes.
Fruits: Black, oval-shaped drupes that are pea sized (1/3 to ½ inch). Fruits in spring and summer.
Key Identification Characteristics: Evergreen, cherry smell, leaf glands
Past and Present Uses
Carolina laurelcherry is not a timber species or widely planted, however it can grow in urban settings and residential landscaping as hedge plants and street trees. It is quick to grow and easy to maintain, making it appealing for naturalizing areas and gardens. Its root system is not aggressive to other plants, but the tree can become weedy on roadsides and its fruit, twigs, and leaves contain hydrocyanic acid that can be toxic to humans.
Ecological Importance
Origin: Native to the United States
Native Range: Found in the coastal plain from North Carolina south to Florida, west to Texas and California (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Native range of Carolina Laurelcherry. Photo credit: U.S. Geological Survey
Carolina laurelcherry is found in a variety of sites ranging from wet to dry, including coastal, naturalized, riparian, and woodland areas. It can also be found in disturbed, ruderal areas caused by natural occurrences and human activities. In Florida, it is commonly associated with hardwood species such as sweetgum, sugarberry, hickories, and southern live oak.
The Carolina laurelcherry serves as a host plant for a variety of insects, and its flowers serve as a source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees and adult butterflies. While the fruit is poisonous to humans and livestock, many birds such as cedar waxwings and robins, and mammals such as foxes and raccoons, use the drupes and foliage as a food source.
More Information
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST505
References
Gilman, E. F., Watson, D. G., Klein, R. W., Koeser, A. K., Hilbert, D. R., & McLean, D. C. (2019). ENH-664/ST505: Prunus caroliniana: Cherry-Laurel. Ask IFAS - Powered by EDIS. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST505
i-Tree. (2006). Tree tools - calculate the benefits of trees!. i-Tree. https://www.itreetools.org/
Prunus caroliniana. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRCA
Prunus caroliniana. North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. (n.d.). https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunus-caroliniana/