Cherry Laurel
Cherry Laurel flower spikes
Closer view of flower spike
Close-up of flower - capitate stigma
Berries in various stages of ripeness
Dark green, leathery leaves
Prunus laurocerasus
Rosaceae
Late March to May, although in 2016 it was flowering
on the 15th of January in Bridport, West Dorset.
It is found throughout the country but is more common
in the southern half.
See the BSBI distribution map for Cherry Laurel
It is a neophyte which was introduced into the UK in
the 1620s and known in the wild since the 1880s.
It is common in gardens, parks and amenity areas.
It is naturalised in scrubland and in woods, where it
can form dark, impenetrable thickets. In some areas it
is being eradicated to make room for native plants.
Cherry Laurel is an evergreen tree growing up to 10m.
The flowers are white in distinctive, upright candles up
to 12cm.
The flowers have 5 white petals, a long style with a
capitate stigma, and numerous stamens with white
anthers.
Leaves are glossy and dark green.
Berries are up to 12mm and turn from green to red to
black.
The black ripe berries are eaten by birds, which spread
the plant away from its ornamental UK origins.
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Cherry Laurel flower spikes
Closer view of flower spike
Close-up of flower - capitate stigma
Berries in various stages of ripeness
Dark green, leathery leaves
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