Fire-Smart
Type: Hedge or Screen, Tree, Perennial
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