Cherry Laurel

Botanical specifications, native range classifications, and ecological benefits verified against official Texas botanical repositories.

Cherry Laurel (Prunus caroliniana) is an outstanding evergreen Texas tree in the Rosaceae (Rose Family). Typically reaching 12 ft. in height with a spread of 10 ft., it is native across the East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies, and Western Gulf Coastal Plain. Distinguished by dark foliage that is deep green, it offers an exceptional visual and tactile texture. During spring, the plant produces yellow flower clusters. Flowering is followed by black, blue 1-1.3 cm that add vibrant visual contrast and seasonal interest. It plays a vital ecological role as a larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies, including Banded Hairstreak, Spring Azure, Eastern Tiger, Two-tailed Swt, Viceroy, and Red-spotted Purple. Berries attract birds. Flowers attract bees and other insects. Thriving in clay, deep, loam, moist, rich, sand, and well drained, Cherry Laurel demonstrates outstanding hardiness once established. It requires minimal supplemental water and adapts seamlessly to drought conditions. It features high deer resistance.

Larval host plant for Central Texas butterflies: Banded Hairstreak, Spring Azure, Eastern Tiger, Two-tailed Swt, Viceroy, and Red-spotted Purple. Verified online via Texas Entomology (Mike Quinn). Verified via Texas Entomology (Mike Quinn, texasento.net) and Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (wildflower.org).