Prunus caroliniana

Carolina Cherry Laurel

Boething Treeland Farms grows over 1,000 varieties of trees, shrubs, perennials and specialty plants on 10 California nurseries to serve the wholesale landscape and nursery industries throughout the Western United States and beyond.

Plant Type: Shrubs / Trees

Evergreen-Deciduous: Evergreen

Overall Mature Size: Large

Also Grown As: Column / Standard Tree

Mature Height & Spread: 20-30' x 15-25'

Natural Growth Habit: Upright

Native To: Texas, USA

Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water: Medium Water, Low Water

Flower Color: White

Bloom Time: Spring, Winter

Special Features: Attracts Birds/Butterflies / Deer Resistant / Desert Conditions / Drought Resistant / Screen / Seacoast Conditions

Container Sizes: #5, #15, 24" Box, 36" Box

Sunset Garden Zones: 5-24

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

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. Growing to approximately 20-30 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, they are best in Western Garden zones 5-24 and are particularly successful in coastal climates but tolerate desert heat, especially if a bit of shade makes itself available. These are drought tolerant once established but regular watering during the early years yields faster growing plants. Lustrous bright green leaves have wavy edges and are 2-4 inches long. In spring, small fragrant white flowers borne in racemes appear. Black berries finalize the annual cycle. All parts of the Carolina Cherry are quite poisonous, making these reliably deer resistant but beware planting them where livestock or pets graze. Conversely, it is the perfect host for birds, bees, and butterflies. The leaves smell like cherries when crushed hence the common name. 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.

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. Growing to approximately 20-30 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide, they are best in Western Garden zones 5-24 and are particularly successful in coastal climates but tolerate desert heat, especially if a bit of shade makes itself available. These are drought tolerant once established but regular watering during the early years yields faster growing plants. Lustrous bright green leaves have wavy edges and are 2-4 inches long. In spring, small fragrant white flowers borne in racemes appear. Black berries finalize the annual cycle. All parts of the Carolina Cherry are quite poisonous, making these reliably deer resistant but beware planting them where livestock or pets graze. Conversely, it is the perfect host for birds, bees, and butterflies. The leaves smell like cherries when crushed hence the common name. 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.