CAROLINA LAUREL CHERRY
Prunus caroliniana
FAMILY Rosaceae
SYNONYMS
ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES
CHERRY LAUREL
CAROLINA LAURELCHERRY
LAUREL CHERRY
WILD ORANGE
See: all Prunus
GENERAL INFO
Carolina Laurel Cherry is grown as an evergreen shrub or tree standard, favored for its shiny green foliage. However, the flower and fruit litter is a problem in paved areas, and it may reseed unwantedly. It withstands heat, dryness and wind, and is quite durable once established. Variety Compacta generally grows 8-10 tall. It may require regularly scheduled light top-trimming (but not necessarily shearing) of vigorous top shoots to maintain its height below 25.
Native range: Southeastern United StatesHorticultural use: Screen or Hedged or Topiary
Native range: Southeastern United StatesHorticultural use: Screen or Hedged or Topiary
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree Shape: Conical or RoundedMaximum Tree Height: 30 feetCanopy Width: 15-25 feetGrowth Rate: ~36 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: Spear-shapedLeaf color: GreenFlowers: Showy, FragrantFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: Winter or SpringFruit: Small Black DrupeFruiting time: Winter, Spring or SummerBark Color: Dark Gray or Light Gray, SmoothLitter Type: Wet Fruit, Flowers
SITE CONDITIONS
Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 5 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly AlkalineSalt Tolerance: ModerateWind Resistance: Lowest
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: Allergy, PoisonousBiogenic Emissions: LowWildlife interactions: Attracts bees, birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Fire Blight, Root Rot, Rust and ScalesUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group Rating 2, Approx. cross sectional area 2.24 sq. in.
External Resources
CITE THIS TREE
"SelecTree. UFEI. "Prunus caroliniana Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal
Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 22, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1155 >
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/1155 >
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