Carolina Laurel Cherry (Prunus caroliniana)
Carolina Laurel Cherry is an evergreen tree that may easily grow over 25 feet tall. The leaves are alternate with a smooth or occasionally toothed margin and a pale white underside. The bark is smooth and gray to reddish brown with numerous lenticels. Some splits and fissures develop with age. In early spring, small, creamy white, 5-petaled flowers mature in 2- to 3-inch elongated clusters. The small tree produces a black drupe that matures in the fall.
WildlifeProvides winter and extreme weather cover . Host plant for Coral Hairstreak, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Red-spotted Purple, Spring/Summer Azures, and Viceroy butterflies. Adult butterflies nectar from the spring flowers. Fruits are eaten by songbirds, wild turkeys, quail, raccoons, foxes, and small mammals. White-tailed deer browse foliage.
| Plant Type |
Tree 10-30 feet |
| Leaf Type |
Evergreen |
| Deer Resistance |
High |
| Regions |
Coastal Plain |
| Light |
Full Sun, Partial Sun/Shade |
| Soil |
Moist, Dry |
| Bloom Times |
Early Spring |
| Seed Times |
Fall |
| Wildlife Value |
Winter Cover, Fleshy Fruit, Butterfly/Insect Nectar, Butterfly Larvae Host |
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