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 States
Horticultural use: Screen or Hedged or Topiary
TREE CHARACTERISTICS
Tree shape: Conical or Rounded
Foliage type: Evergreen
Maximum tree height: 30 feet
Canopy width: 15-25 feet
Growth rate: ~36 in/year
Leaf arrangement and form: Alternate, Simple
Leaf/leaflet shape: Spear-shaped
Leaf color: Green
Flowers: Showy, Fragrant
Flower color: White.
Flower type: Has male and female reproductive parts in each flower (perfect)
Flowering time: Winter or Spring
Fruit: Black Drupe
Fruiting time: Winter, Spring or Summer
Bark: Dark Gray or Light Gray, Smooth
Litter: Wet Fruit, Flowers
SITE CONDITIONS
Planting area: 5′ to 10′
Water use: Medium
Sunset zones: 5 – 24
USDA zones: 7, 8, 9, 10
Sun exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun
Soil texture: Loam or Sand or Clay
Soil pH: Very Acidic to Slightly Alkaline
Soil salinity tolerance: Coastal Moderate
Salt spray tolerance: Moderate
CONSIDERATIONS
Branch strength: Medium
Root damage potential: Low
Potential health issues: Allergy, Poisonous
Biogenic emissions: Low
Wildlife interactions: Tree is deer resistant and attracts bees, birds
Disease and pest susceptibility: Armillaria, Fire Blight, Root Rot, Rust and Scales
Powerline friendly: No
