Prunus caroliniana (P. Miller) Aiton. Subgenus: Laurocerasus. Common name: Carolina Laurel Cherry. Phenology: Feb-Apr; May-Nov. Habitat: Maritime forests and sandy hammocks in the Coastal Plain, escaped from cultivation to fencerows and suburban forests and thickets in more inland areas. Distribution: Se. NC south to sc. Peninsular FL, west to AR and TX; mainly inland occurrences, especially off the Coastal Plain, are the result of naturalization from horticultural use.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, Fl3, FNA9, K4, NcTx, RAB, Tn, Tx, WH3, Robertson (1974); = Laurocerasus caroliniana (Mill.) M.Roem. — S, S13; = n/a — C; Padus caroliniana P. Miller. Basionym: Padus caroliniana Mill. 1768
Links to other floras: = Prunus caroliniana - FNA9
Show parent genus | Show parent in key(s)
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACU
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACU
- Great Plains: FACU
Heliophily ⓘ: 5
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend.
© Keith Bradley | Original Image ⭷
© Joey Shaw source | Original Image ⭷
© Keith Bradley | Original Image ⭷
© Jay Horn source | Original Image ⭷
© Aidan Campos source | Original Image ⭷Feedback
See something wrong or missing on about Prunus caroliniana? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months. If a species is not keyed, that's because keying is ongoing. Please don't send us feedback about unkeyed species.
Horticultural Information
Intro:
Stems:
Leaves:
Inforescence:
Flowers:
Fruits:
Comments:
Height: 20-30 ft.
plant sale text: Carolina Cherry Laurel is a fast-growing and is the only evergreen among our natives within the genus Prunus. The native range includes the coastal plain of Virginia south to northern Florida. Generally considered a small tree with an upright-oval shape, it also can be pruned and maintained as a large shrub. Tiny white flowers are borne profusely in April. This species provides excellent screening, particularly when planted in full sun. Small black fruits mature in October and are avidly sought out by many birds.
bloom table text:
description:
stems:
leaves:
inflorescence:
flowers:
fruits:
comments:
cultural notes:
germination code:
native range: southeastern United States
0 unsaved edits on this page.