About Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’ This compact evergreen shrub is a Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’. Cherry-laurel will create a dense screen or hedge with regular pruning, but is also attractive when allowed to grow naturally into its upright-oval, dense form. Rosaceae. May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes. The Cherry-Laurel cultivar ‘Compacta’ has a dense, com-pact habit of growth, to about 20 feet tall. Good hedge or screen. Noted for its tolerance of heat, wind and dry conditions. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. Takes well to shearing and is often used for shaping into a large hedge, screen or column, as well as making a good low-maintenance tree for small areas. Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’ Compact form with dark, glossy green foliage and white flower spikes followed by black fruit. Wilted, fallen leaves contain the largest amounts of the toxic compound, but poisoning can occur in the spring, summer or fall. Best used as a clipped hedge or screen. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect cherry laurel poisoning. Type. While still relatively large, it is called compact due to its tightly wound branches which are topped with 2 … Prunus caroliniana Figure 1. When regularly sheared, flowers and fruit are seldom produced. Poison Toxic Principle: Cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin Causes Contact Dermatitis: No Poison Part: Leaves Seeds Stems Cherry Laurel is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with dark glossy green leaves. The leaves and branches contain high amounts of prussic acid (cyanide), making it a potential toxic hazard to grazing livestock and children. Poison Symptoms: Gasping, weakness, excitement, pupil dilation, spasms, convulsions, coma, respiratory failure Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, panting, shock. Hardy to 0°F and useful in USDA Zones 7 to 10. With age the bark becomes almost black. When crushed, its leaves and green twigs emit a fragrance described as resembling maraschino cherry fragrance or that of almond extract. Small, fragrant, white flowers appear in spring, followed by black fruit. Prunus caroliniana . Synonyms: [Padus caroliniana, Laurocerasus caroliniana], Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' (Dwarf Carolina Laurel Cherry) - A smaller and more compact grower than the species, this moderately fast growing evergreen shrub has an upright habit growth typically to 10 and 12 feet tall with a 3 to 6 foot spread but often kept considerably smaller. Excellent screen or hedge. It shears well into a large narrow screening hedge or can be shaped into a topiary or column and can be trained as a small tree. It grows in deep, moist but well-drained bottomlands in southeast Texas. Prunus laurocerasus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’ (Dwarf Carolina Laurel Cherry ) About Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' This compact evergreen shrub is a Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta'. Prunus caroliniana: Cherry-Laurel 4 patio or walkway, but the fruit is small and washes away ... they are quite bitter and possibly poisonous. Compact Cherry Laurel. It is a fast-growing small tree, to 35 to 40 feet, that casts dense shade. References: 1. Prunus caroliniana is fire defensible and is a beautiful choice for those seeking a medium-sized and relatively care-free tree for privacy or shade. Cherry-laurel, a dependable, easily grown, North American native, is densely foliated with glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves. All parts of this plant are poisonous with the leaves having a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid, making them unpalatable to deer and potentially dangerous to livestock. Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' Bloom Color Family. Plant with Indian Hawthorn Characteristics Landscape Size: 8'-10' tall, 6'-8' width Light Requirement: Full Sun … Dwarf, evergreen shrub makes an attractive border or screen. Think carefully before you plant them, though, because they are highly toxic. Small, glossy dark green leaves. Prunus caroliniana 'Bright 'n Tight' 'Compacta' is a cultivar with smaller leaves and smaller size, 8 to 10 feet tall (2.4-3 m), 6 to 8 feet wide (1.8-2.4 m). Fragrant creamy white flower It loves the heat and thrives in full sun environments. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Screening. ‘Compacta’ is a cultivar with more compact growth habit, smaller leaf size, and a maturing at half the size of the regular Cherry Laurel. The specific epithet is in reference to it being first being described in South Carolina by Mark Catesby in his. Plant in full to part sun in a fairly well-drained soil. The small bright-green leaves have the odor of maraschino cherries when crushed, and are toxic. Compact Carolina has broad glossy green leaves that stay on the shrub year-round. Prunus caroliniana 'Bright 'n Tight' Standard ('Compacta') ... 'Bright 'n Tight' is an outstanding compact Carolina Laurel with dense shiny deep green foliage. It has blue/black hard fruit when and is NOT edible. Cherry-Laurel1 Edward F. Gilman and Dennis G. Watson2 INTRODUCTION A dependable, easily-grown, North American native, Cherry-Laurel is densely foliated with glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves and can reach 40 feet in height with a 25-foot-spread though is often seen Moisture Requirements. Poisonous to Humans: Poison Severity: Low Poison Symptoms: Stems, leaves, seeds contain cyanide, particularly toxic in the process of wilting: brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock. The foliage of the cherry laurel is poisonous … Exceptionally shiny, deep green foliage has tidy, clean appearance. Fragrant white flowers cover the branches in the early spring, easily attracting butterflies and bees. All parts of this plant are poisonous with the leaves having a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid, making them unpalatable to deer and potentially dangerous to livestock. Common Name. Due to this, it is considered highly deer-resistant. Cold Hardiness. Compact evergreen shrub. That species also has two glans on the underside of the leaf near the base of the stem. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees. This species is native to coastal Virginia south to northern Florida and west to Louisiana and east Texas to an elevation of 500 feet. It should also be noted that all parts of this plant are poisonous. If the leaf you have has only a few soft spines around the edge it is the very toxic cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana.) It matures at half of the size of a regular Cherry Laurel so it easily fits in any space but still has all of the attributes that have made it so reliable. This dwarf variety is noted for smaller leaves tighter branching and shorter internodes and because of its durability and compact growth, this adaptable plant is one of the more common hedge plants seen in coastal California gardens. The tree usually maintain… [10] Adapts well to occasional shearing to control size and form. The blood and the mucous membranes become bright red. The most poisonous plant on Earth, commonly known as castor bean, is growing along Roscoe Boulevard, between White Oak and Encino avenues, in Northridge. A Bit More An evergreen tree or large shrub native to – you guessed it – North Carolina, Prunus caroliniana makes an outstanding addition to the landscape. The leaves and branches contain high amounts of cyanogenic glycosides that break down into hydrogen cyanide when damaged, making it a potential toxic hazard to grazing livestock and children. Easily pruned to desired shape. Cherry laurels (Prunus caroliniana) make an attractive, evergreen shrub or tree in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. Botanical Name. An evergreen tree or shrub native to – you guessed it – North Carolina, Prunus caroliniana “Compacta” makes an outstanding addition to the landscape when a small tree is desired. Full sun. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) 'Compacta' supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at Dave's Garden. 'Bright 'n Tight' is similar to Compacta, but with very shiny leaves, 8 to 10 feet tall (2.4-3 m), 6 to 8 feet wide (1.8-2.4 m). Carolina Laurel Cherry is grown as an evergreen shrub or tree standard, favored for its shiny green foliage. In late winter into early spring appear the sweetly fragrant white flowers born amongst the foliage that are followed by purple-black berries. Poison Toxic Principle: Cyanogenic glycosides Causes Contact Dermatitis: No Poison Part: Leaves Seeds Stems All parts of the cherry laurel, including leaves, bark and stems, are toxic to humans. Can Hen and Chicks Plants Be Kept Inside? Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' The Carolina Cherry, Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta', is a staple on many Southwestern landscapes. It is hardy to zone (UK) 7. The fruit in fall is not conspicuous and though attractive to birds, can be messy and stain paving; when regularly sheared, flowers and fruit are seldom produced. ", How to Treat Rust Disease in Dianella or Flax Lily Plants. The name for the genus in an adapted name that Linnaeus used from the Latin name for the plum tree in his in Hortus Cliffortianus. As a large shrub or small tree, this plant is gorgeous year-round with its glossy green foliage. It has attractive 2 to 3 inch long glossy bright green narrowly elliptic leaves that have slightly wavy margins and when crushed have the distinctive odor of cherries or almond extract. Semi-moist. Posted by plantladylin (Sebastian, Florida - Zone 10a) on Sep 11, 2011 1:57 PM. An outstanding tightly branched shrub valued as a hedge or screen. All parts of the cherry laurel, including leaves, bark and stems, are toxic to humans. However, the flower and fruit litter is a problem in paved areas, and it may reseed unwantedly. Symptoms of cherry laurel poisoning include difficulty breathing, convulsions and staggering. Avoid chipping the wood, which can release the toxic fumes into the air. Carolina Cherry Laurel is a native American tree occurring from North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana and Texas. Compact Cherry Laurel. Full to partial sun. Bright-green foliage has a scent reminiscent of maraschino cherries. Specifications. Fragrant white spring flowers. Cal Poly Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Carolina Laurel Cherry, University of California Extension: Toxic Plants. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. This evergreen shrub has a tidy appearance and adapts well to shearing to control size and form. Variety Compacta … A dwarf, compact shrub, maturing at half the size of the regular Cherry Laurel, making an outstanding hedge or screen that tolerates heat, drought, and wind. Middle-aged Cherry-Laurel. Are Blue Star Junipers Poisonous to Dogs? Evergreen. Prunus caroliniana flowers Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is a beautiful native evergreen in the landscape. It’s a great choice for this area as it is moderately salt and drought resistant. This species is native to coastal Virginia south to northern Florida and west to Louisiana and east Texas to an elevation of 500 feet. Compact Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta') takes care of that. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen in September. Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' Compact Carolina Cherry Laurel A dense and upright evergreen shrub with pointed oval, glossy deep green foliage. White. Moderate grower to 8 to 10 ft. … It withstands heat, dryness and wind, and is quite durable once established. It has alternate dark green to yellowish-green leaves, depending on the soil conditions, and it bears fragrant white flowers in late winter and early spring. Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' (Dwarf Carolina Laurel Cherry) - A smaller and more compact grower than the species, this moderately fast growing evergreen shrub has an upright habit growth typically to 10 and 12 feet tall with a 3 … It is relatively drought tolerant once established but has fairly shallow roots and best when given occasional irrigation. USDA zones: 7 - 11 Sunset zones: 5 - 24 Mature size: 8 - 10 feet high and 6 - 8 feet wide Light needs: full sun, partial shade Water Native to North Carolina and Texas, it is easy to see why this ornamental tree is so popular with homeowners. The tree can reach 40 feet in height with a 25-foot spread though is often seen smaller when grown in the open. These are very attractive to bees and butterflies, and this plant is a valuable food for many native insects, including swallowtails, azures, and viceroys. Light Requirements. This plant produces hydrocyanic acid, or prussic acid, which can cause serious illness or death within hours of ingestion. Due to this, it is considered highly deer-resistant. However, this sweet-smelling shrub contains a poison, hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic (and even potentially fatal) for dogs and people alike. ... (Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta… Use as screen, border or hedge. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) 'Compacta 2' supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at Dave's Garden. The flowers are followed by clusters of tiny, ½ inch black cherries, which are unfortunately bitter and potentially poisonous if the seed is chewed and swallowed. As a moderate grower you can expect its average landscape size to reach 6-10′ x 4-6′. Spikes of fragrant white flowers followed by small black fruits. Properly trained to a central leader, the plant could make a good small to medium-sized street tree. Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’ • Mature Height: 15′ • Mature Width: 10′ • Light Requirements: Afternoon Shade • Water Requirements: Moderate summer water • Fertilizers: Dr. Q’s Tree, Shrub & Vine Food, 16-8-4 She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes. Avoid planting cherry laurels where young children may be present and use care when handling this plant.