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Native Plant Society of Texas

Cherry Laurel

Prunus caroliniana

Other common name(s):

Carolina Cherry-laurel, Cherry-laurel, Laurel Cherry, Carolina Cherry Laurel

Family:

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, Western Gulf Coastal Plain
Bastrop Lost Pines, Floodplains and Low Terraces2, San Antonio Prairie, Southern Post Oak Savanna
Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie
Flatwoods, Floodplains and Low Terraces3, Southern Tertiary Uplands, Tertiary Uplands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

12
to
15
ft.

Spread

10
to
15
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Rich, Deep, Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Nectar, Pollen, Larval Host, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Small Mammals, Bees

Maintenance

Fast growth rate. Works well as an accent tree, screen, or large hedge. Native Habitat: Low woods; maritime forests; fields; thickets. Prolonged saturation can cause root rot. On the other hand, shallow, rocky soils can cause chlorosis and heat stress. Cherry laurels do not like being severely pruned or trained into an angled hedge. WARNING: the seeds, twigs, and leaves of all Prunus species contain hydrocyanic acid and should never be eaten. Propagation: seed, semi-hardwood cutting, softwood cutting.

Comments

Blooms February-April. A dense shrub or small tree with a pyramidal to oval crown. Leaves are narrowly elliptical with upper surface dark green and shiny, and lower surface lighter and duller. Tiny yellowish flowers, are clustered on 2-inch spikes. The small, round fruit turns from red to black in the fall. Larval host: Red Admiral, Tiger Swallowtail.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Laurocerasus caroliniana

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) Miller, George O., Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas 2nd Ed., 2013, pg 48, 53 3) Wasowski and Wasowski, Native Texas Plants Landscaping Region by Region, 1991, pg. 297. 4) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRCA. 5) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=21594&locationType=County&mapType=Normal. 6) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=24771#null, 7) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014., 8) https://naturescapesofbeaufort.com/product/prunus-caroliniana-carolina-cherry-laurel/

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed Stratification Remove pulp from seeds and briefly air dry. Moist stratification for 30-60 days in warm area, then cold stratified for 60-90 days. Sow in spring. Collect fruit when it is filled out, firm, and its ripe color. Seeds to be sown immediately in fall do not need drying. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=PRCA

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason