cherry laurel
Noun: 1. A small, flowering evergreen tree (Prunus caroliniana) native to the southern United States, often used in landscaping for its glossy leaves and small white flowers. 2. A frequently cultivated Eurasian evergreen shrub or small tree (Prunus laurocerasus), known for its showy clusters of white flowers, glossy foliage, and seeds that yield an oil similar to bitter almond oil.
- The cherry laurel lining the driveway provides excellent year-round privacy.
- Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the cherry laurel are toxic if ingested.
- The dense, dark green leaves of the cherry laurel make it a popular choice for hedges.
- As a modifier: The term can be used attributively to describe related things.
- The garden featured a beautiful cherry laurel hedge.
- In botanical context: Refers specifically to plants within the genus, which also includes cherries, plums, almonds, and peaches. Both common types of cherry laurel contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide.
- Laurel cherry: An alternative name for the same plants.
- Common laurel: A name often used for .
- English laurel: Another common name for .
- Carolina cherry laurel: A specific name for .
- Prunus laurocerasus (scientific name for the Eurasian species)
- Prunus caroliniana (scientific name for the American species)
- Bay laurel (Note: This typically refers to , the true laurel used in cooking, and is a different plant, though the common names are sometimes confused.)
The definition encompasses two distinct but closely related species: 1. The primary meaning often refers to the Eurasian cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus), widely cultivated as an ornamental shrub. 2. The secondary meaning refers to the American cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana), a native tree. Context (geographic location or description) usually indicates which species is meant.
- small flowering evergreen tree of southern United States
- frequently cultivated Eurasian evergreen shrub or small tree having showy clusters of white flowers and glossy foliage and yielding oil similar to bitter almond oil