Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana)
Carolina Cherry laurel is a small tree/shrub that is evergreen. It is native to eastern NC, however it has become naturalized in the Charlotte area.
Carolina Cherry laurel is a very important wildlife plant. The genus Prunus is a keystone species in our ecosystem (keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on the local ecosystem. Plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the environment). Carolina Cherry laurel is a host for over 300 lepidoptera species. Host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and the Red spotted purple butterflies! The early spring flowers are not only beautiful but they are a pollinator magnet. The berries are an important food source for many bird species in the winter. Carolina Cherry laurels make a great hedge/border due to their fast growing nature and thick evergreen growth. They can also grow into small tree if not pruned.
The one drawback to this amazing plant is that it does have a tendency to reseed, due to how many birds eat the berries. So keep that in mind. To me the ecological impacts the Carolina Cherry Laurel provides far exceeds the reseeding potential.
Can grow 15-30 feet tall (if not pruned to keep as a shrub), Can grow in heavy shade, however it will get less flowers and berries.
Prefers full sun and is fast growing. An adaptable important plant.
The Carolina Cherry Laurels are two year old saplings roughly 1-3 feet tall.
Carolina Cherry laurel is a small tree/shrub that is evergreen. It is native to eastern NC, however it has become naturalized in the Charlotte area.
Carolina Cherry laurel is a very important wildlife plant. The genus Prunus is a keystone species in our ecosystem (keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on the local ecosystem. Plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the environment). Carolina Cherry laurel is a host for over 300 lepidoptera species. Host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and the Red spotted purple butterflies! The early spring flowers are not only beautiful but they are a pollinator magnet. The berries are an important food source for many bird species in the winter. Carolina Cherry laurels make a great hedge/border due to their fast growing nature and thick evergreen growth. They can also grow into small tree if not pruned.
The one drawback to this amazing plant is that it does have a tendency to reseed, due to how many birds eat the berries. So keep that in mind. To me the ecological impacts the Carolina Cherry Laurel provides far exceeds the reseeding potential.
Can grow 15-30 feet tall (if not pruned to keep as a shrub), Can grow in heavy shade, however it will get less flowers and berries.
Prefers full sun and is fast growing. An adaptable important plant.
The Carolina Cherry Laurels are two year old saplings roughly 1-3 feet tall.
Carolina Cherry laurel is a small tree/shrub that is evergreen. It is native to eastern NC, however it has become naturalized in the Charlotte area.
Carolina Cherry laurel is a very important wildlife plant. The genus Prunus is a keystone species in our ecosystem (keystone species have a disproportionately large impact on the local ecosystem. Plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the environment). Carolina Cherry laurel is a host for over 300 lepidoptera species. Host plant for the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, and the Red spotted purple butterflies! The early spring flowers are not only beautiful but they are a pollinator magnet. The berries are an important food source for many bird species in the winter. Carolina Cherry laurels make a great hedge/border due to their fast growing nature and thick evergreen growth. They can also grow into small tree if not pruned.
The one drawback to this amazing plant is that it does have a tendency to reseed, due to how many birds eat the berries. So keep that in mind. To me the ecological impacts the Carolina Cherry Laurel provides far exceeds the reseeding potential.
Can grow 15-30 feet tall (if not pruned to keep as a shrub), Can grow in heavy shade, however it will get less flowers and berries.
Prefers full sun and is fast growing. An adaptable important plant.
The Carolina Cherry Laurels are two year old saplings roughly 1-3 feet tall.