Prunus caroliniana: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|An article about Prunus caroliniana, a species of cherry laurel}} | |||
== | ==Prunus caroliniana== | ||
'''Prunus caroliniana''' is | [[File:Prunuscaroliniana.gif|thumb|right|Prunus caroliniana foliage and fruit]] | ||
'''Prunus caroliniana''', commonly known as the Carolina laurel cherry or Carolina cherry laurel, is a species of [[evergreen]] shrub or small [[tree]] in the [[family]] [[Rosaceae]]. It is native to the [[southeastern United States]], ranging from [[North Carolina]] to [[Florida]] and west to [[Texas]]. | |||
== | ==Description== | ||
Prunus caroliniana is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5–12 meters (16–39 feet) tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and lanceolate, measuring 5–12 cm (2–4.7 inches) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 inches) wide. The leaf margins are smooth, and the leaves emit a cherry-like aroma when crushed. | |||
The [[flowers]] are small, white, and fragrant, appearing in early spring in dense clusters. The [[fruit]] is a small, black drupe, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter, which matures in late summer to early fall. The fruit is attractive to [[birds]], which help in seed dispersal. | |||
== | ==Habitat and Distribution== | ||
Prunus caroliniana is commonly found in [[woodlands]], [[thickets]], and along [[stream banks]]. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It is often used in [[landscaping]] as a hedge or screen due to its dense foliage and rapid growth. | |||
== | ==Uses== | ||
[[File:Prunuscaroliniana.gif|thumb|left|Close-up of Prunus caroliniana leaves]] | |||
Prunus caroliniana is widely used in [[horticulture]] as an ornamental plant. It is valued for its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and ability to form a dense hedge. The plant is also used in [[wildlife]] gardens to attract birds. | |||
However, it is important to note that the leaves and seeds contain [[cyanogenic glycosides]], which can release [[hydrogen cyanide]] when damaged. This makes the plant potentially toxic if ingested in large quantities. | |||
[[Category:Prunus]] | ==Cultivation== | ||
Prunus caroliniana is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant once established and can withstand pruning, making it suitable for shaping as a hedge or topiary. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Prunus]] | |||
* [[Rosaceae]] | |||
* [[Evergreen plant]] | |||
* [[Horticulture]] | |||
[[Category:Prunus|caroliniana]] | |||
[[Category:Flora of the Southeastern United States]] | [[Category:Flora of the Southeastern United States]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Ornamental trees]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:49, 15 February 2025
An article about Prunus caroliniana, a species of cherry laurel
Prunus caroliniana[edit]
Prunus caroliniana, commonly known as the Carolina laurel cherry or Carolina cherry laurel, is a species of evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Rosaceae. It is native to the southeastern United States, ranging from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas.
Description[edit]
Prunus caroliniana is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5–12 meters (16–39 feet) tall. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and lanceolate, measuring 5–12 cm (2–4.7 inches) long and 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 inches) wide. The leaf margins are smooth, and the leaves emit a cherry-like aroma when crushed.
The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, appearing in early spring in dense clusters. The fruit is a small, black drupe, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter, which matures in late summer to early fall. The fruit is attractive to birds, which help in seed dispersal.
Habitat and Distribution[edit]
Prunus caroliniana is commonly found in woodlands, thickets, and along stream banks. It thrives in well-drained soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils. It is often used in landscaping as a hedge or screen due to its dense foliage and rapid growth.
Uses[edit]
Prunus caroliniana is widely used in horticulture as an ornamental plant. It is valued for its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and ability to form a dense hedge. The plant is also used in wildlife gardens to attract birds.
However, it is important to note that the leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release hydrogen cyanide when damaged. This makes the plant potentially toxic if ingested in large quantities.
Cultivation[edit]
Prunus caroliniana is relatively easy to cultivate. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering. It is drought-tolerant once established and can withstand pruning, making it suitable for shaping as a hedge or topiary.
