Cherry Laurel

Prunus caroliniana, commonly called cherry laurel, is an evergreen tree or large shrub that is native to low woods, fields and thickets from southeastern North Carolina to Florida west to Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. It is most often seen growing 15-20' tall but may rise in tree form to as much as 40' tall. Glossy, lanceolate-oblong dark green leaves (to 2-4" long) have pointed tips. Fragrant white flowers (each to 3/16" across) bloom in dense racemes (2-3" long) in late winter to early spring. Flowers (each to 5/16" long) are followed by green fruits which initially turn reddish purple before ripening in fall to shiny black. Birds love the fruit.