About
Prunus laurocerasus is an evergreen species of Prunus that develops as a large shrub or small tree, typically 5–15 metres tall. Leaves are dark green, leathery and glossy, 10–25 cm long with a finely serrated margin and an almond scent when crushed. It flowers from March to May in erect racemes bearing numerous small blooms. Mature specimens can produce a trunk up to about 60 cm across.
About the genus
Prunus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs from the family Rosaceae, with about 340 accepted species that include peaches and nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries and almonds. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, being native to the temperate regions of North America, the neotropics of South America, and temperate and tropical regions of Eurasia and Africa.
Wikipedia contributors, "Prunus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Prunus
In the garden
Prunus laurocerasus belongs to the family Rosaceae and is an evergreen cherry native to countries bordering the Black Sea, from Albania and Bulgaria east through Turkey to the Caucasus and northern Iran. Its common names reflect a visual similarity to true laurel, and historically it has been used in contexts similar to bay laurel, though the two are not closely related. The plant reaches 5–15 metres, occasionally more, with leaves described as dark green, leathery and shiny, typically 10–25 cm long by 4–10 cm broad and edged with fine teeth. Flowering takes place March to May, in erect racemes 7–15 cm long that contain many individual flowers. Trunks can grow to around 60 cm in breadth on older specimens. Allow space for its eventual size when siting Prunus laurocerasus; its evergreen foliage and substantial stature suit larger gardens where permanent greenery is required. The almond scent of crushed leaves and the early spring formation of flower racemes are useful identification features. Note that Prunus laurocerasus is distinct from North American species that share the common name cherry laurel, such as Prunus caroliniana.
