Cherry Laurel
Prunus caroliniana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Prunus caroliniana (Cherry Laurel) is an evergreen tree native to the southeastern United States that produces fragrant white flower clusters from March through May, attracting bees and butterflies.
Cherry Laurel is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
144"–180" H × 120"–180" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cherry Laurel is a dense evergreen tree that forms a neat, rounded canopy reaching 12-15 feet tall and wide. It produces fragrant white flower clusters in spring followed by small black berries, maintaining its glossy green foliage year-round. This adaptable tree tolerates various soil conditions and provides reliable screening or shade.
Growing Cherry Laurel
Grow Cherry Laurel in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 144 to 180 inches tall and spread 120 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cherry Laurel is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
- Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
- Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.
Wildlife value
Spring blooms attract bees and butterflies with nectar and pollen. The small berries provide food for birds in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- Where is Cherry Laurel native?
- Prunus caroliniana is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
- When does Cherry Laurel bloom?
- Cherry Laurel produces white flowers from March through May, creating fragrant clusters that are especially noticeable in early spring.
- What pollinators visit Cherry Laurel?
- The fragrant spring flowers of Prunus caroliniana attract both bees and butterflies, making it a valuable pollinator plant in native landscapes.
- Is Cherry Laurel toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Cherry Laurel is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Cherry Laurel toxic to cats?
- Yes. Cherry Laurel is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Cherry Laurel HOA-friendly?
- Cherry Laurel is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Cherry Laurel and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.