Prunus laurocerasus  English Laurel

Rosaceae

From Asia. Moderate to fast growing evergreen shrub. Design and mature height both 15'; design and mature spread both 30'. Simple 4-6" medium green and glabrous leaves, serrate and elliptic to obovate. White 1/4" flowers in racemes, from May to June. 1/4" black fruit (drupe), from summer to fall. Prefers full sun, high to light water, likes acid, neutral, clay, loam or sandy soil. Tolerates drought, heat, poor soil, salt air and wind. This plant is known to be susceptible to mites, scale and thrips. Propagate by cuttings and seed. Prune by thinning. This plant looks good pruned as a multi-trunked shrub or small tree. Tolerates clipping and can be used as a formal hedge with a minimum height of 6'. Can be used as background plant, as a clipped or informal hedge, as a screen or windbreakk, or in a container. Photo taken in Berkeley near Telegraph Avenue.