Prunus laurocerasus

Cherry Laurel

Prunus laurocerasus, also known as cherry laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree originally from south-eastern Europe and Asia Minor. It has been introduced as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world, including North America and Europe, and has proved invasive in some areas. The plant can grow up to 6 metres tall and is characterised by dark green, glossy, leathery leaves and white, fragrant flowers that appear in spring and are pollinated by bees and other insects. The flowers develop into small, black, cherry-like fruits that are dispersed by birds. Prunus laurocerasus is known for its adaptability and can grow in a wide range of soil types, including dry and heavy clay soils. However, it prefers moist, well-drained soils and partial shade. The plant has a fast growth rate and can be propagated both by seed and vegetatively by root suckers and saplings. It also forms dense mats of undergrowth that block light and inhibit the growth of other plants.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Prunus laurocerasus can grow and spread quickly under the right conditions. It forms dense mats of undergrowth and, as an evergreen plant, causes leaves to cast shade all year round. As a result, cherry laurel can block light and restrict the habitat of other plants, which can lead to a reduction in biodiversity, especially in forests and along forest edges. The leaves of the laurel cherry are also poorly compostable.

Damage to health

All parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds, contain toxic substances such as cyanides. If ingested, these can cause poisoning in humans and pets. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and in severe cases even unconsciousness or death. When cooked, however, the substances are destroyed, so that cherry laurel can be used to make jam without any problems.

Region of origin

Caucasus, Asia Minor

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

Prunus laurocerasus is introduced as an ornamental plant in horticulture.

Dissemination by animals

Birds can eat the seeds of the cherry laurel and excrete them in their droppings in other places. This allows the seeds to be spread over greater distances.

Planting of neophytes

Prunus laruocerasus was deliberately sown in nature as an alien plant to enrich the native flora.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The rose family (Rosaceae) comprises about 90 genera with about 3000 species. They are distributed worldwide, especially in temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The family includes annual and perennial herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Characteristic are their often five-petalled, radially symmetrical flowers and the diverse fruit forms, which range from aggregate fruits to rose hips. Many species are economically important as fruit, nut and ornamental plants, including apples, pears, cherries, strawberries, raspberries and of course roses.

Climate change

Prunus laurocerasus has not yet filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It benefits from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will increase. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, road infrastructure, summer precipitation, winter precipitation and spring precipitation.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Prunus laurocerasus where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.