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 Dwarf, evergreen shrub makes an attractive border or screen. Screening. In late winter into early spring appear the sweetly fragrant white flowers born amongst the foliage that are followed by purple-black berries. Hardy to 0°F and useful in USDA Zones 7 to 10. It is relatively drought tolerant once established but has fairly shallow roots and best when given occasional irrigation. Cherry-laurel, a dependable, easily grown, North American native, is densely foliated with glossy, dark green, evergreen leaves. Compact Carolina has broad glossy green leaves that stay on the shrub year-round. May be Poisonous (More Info): Yes. 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. Cherry Laurel is a large evergreen shrub or small tree with dark glossy green leaves. It is a fast-growing small tree, to 35 to 40 feet, that casts dense shade. Small, glossy dark green leaves. 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 Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' The Carolina Cherry, Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta', is a staple on many Southwestern landscapes. The foliage of the cherry laurel is poisonous … Compact evergreen shrub. This species is native to coastal Virginia south to northern Florida and west to Louisiana and east Texas to an elevation of 500 feet. Middle-aged Cherry-Laurel. Good hedge or screen. Moderate grower to 8 to 10 ft. … This species is native to coastal Virginia south to northern Florida and west to Louisiana and east Texas to an elevation of 500 feet. 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. Carolina Laurel Cherry is grown as an evergreen shrub or tree standard, favored for its shiny green foliage. Exceptionally shiny, deep green foliage has tidy, clean appearance. Light Requirements. Spikes of fragrant white flowers followed by small black fruits. However, the flower and fruit litter is a problem in paved areas, and it may reseed unwantedly. Poison Toxic Principle: Cyanogenic glycoside, amygdalin Causes Contact Dermatitis: No Poison Part: Leaves Seeds Stems Due to this, it is considered highly deer-resistant. 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. If the leaf you have has only a few soft spines around the edge it is the very toxic cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana.) Think carefully before you plant them, though, because they are highly toxic. 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. Bright-green foliage has a scent reminiscent of maraschino cherries. However, this sweet-smelling shrub contains a poison, hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic (and even potentially fatal) for dogs and people alike. Semi-moist. While still relatively large, it is called compact due to its tightly wound branches which are topped with 2 … Moisture Requirements. As a large shrub or small tree, this plant is gorgeous year-round with its glossy green foliage. An outstanding tightly branched shrub valued as a hedge or screen. ", How to Treat Rust Disease in Dianella or Flax Lily Plants. Prunus caroliniana Figure 1. 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. Avoid planting cherry laurels where young children may be present and use care when handling this plant. Compact Cherry Laurel. Compact Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta') takes care of that. 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. Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' Compact Carolina Cherry Laurel A dense and upright evergreen shrub with pointed oval, glossy deep green foliage. 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. Poison Toxic Principle: Cyanogenic glycosides Causes Contact Dermatitis: No Poison Part: Leaves Seeds Stems Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. Rosaceae. Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’ (Dwarf Carolina Laurel Cherry ) About Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' This compact evergreen shrub is a Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta'. Fragrant white spring flowers. 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. This plant produces hydrocyanic acid, or prussic acid, which can cause serious illness or death within hours of ingestion. Are Blue Star Junipers Poisonous to Dogs? Fragrant white flowers cover the branches in the early spring, easily attracting butterflies and bees. With age the bark becomes almost black. The Cherry-Laurel cultivar ‘Compacta’ has a dense, com-pact habit of growth, to about 20 feet tall. 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 Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect cherry laurel poisoning. Cold Hardiness. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen in September. Compact Cherry Laurel. Common Name. Full to partial sun. 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. That species also has two glans on the underside of the leaf near the base of the stem. The tree can reach 40 feet in height with a 25-foot spread though is often seen smaller when grown in the open. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. '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). 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. Wilted, fallen leaves contain the largest amounts of the toxic compound, but poisoning can occur in the spring, summer or fall. 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 withstands heat, dryness and wind, and is quite durable once established. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Easily pruned to desired shape. Prunus caroliniana: Cherry-Laurel 4 patio or walkway, but the fruit is small and washes away ... they are quite bitter and possibly poisonous. 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. Botanical Name. Prunus caroliniana ‘Compacta’ Compact form with dark, glossy green foliage and white flower spikes followed by black fruit. 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. Variety Compacta … 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. Carolina Cherry Laurel is a native American tree occurring from North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana and Texas. Prunus caroliniana . 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. As a moderate grower you can expect its average landscape size to reach 6-10′ x 4-6′. Plant in full to part sun in a fairly well-drained soil. Prunus caroliniana 'Compacta' Bloom Color Family. The specific epithet is in reference to it being first being described in South Carolina by Mark Catesby in his. The small bright-green leaves have the odor of maraschino cherries when crushed, and are toxic. All parts of the cherry laurel, including leaves, bark and stems, are toxic to humans. Noted for its tolerance of heat, wind and dry conditions. It should also be noted that all parts of this plant are poisonous. ‘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 leaves and branches contain high amounts of prussic acid (cyanide), making it a potential toxic hazard to grazing livestock and children. All parts of the cherry laurel, including leaves, bark and stems, are toxic to humans. Avoid chipping the wood, which can release the toxic fumes into the air. Evergreen. It loves the heat and thrives in full sun environments. It grows in deep, moist but well-drained bottomlands in southeast Texas. Specifications. Full sun. The tree usually maintain… References: 1. The blood and the mucous membranes become bright red. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees. 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. 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. Prunus caroliniana flowers Carolina Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is a beautiful native evergreen in the landscape. 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. 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