The Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a fast-growing, broadleaf evergreen shrub native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. Homeowners frequently select it for its dense foliage, which provides excellent privacy screening and hedging. The central question surrounding this popular landscape plant is its potential for ecological disruption, which arises because in many regions outside its native range, the Cherry Laurel has been classified as an invasive species. Its ability to thrive in diverse conditions and its prolific reproductive output mean that it readily escapes cultivation and establishes itself in natural areas.
Ecological Behavior and Invasive Potential
The invasive potential of the Cherry Laurel stems from a combination of biological traits that allow it to aggressively colonize new environments. This species exhibits a fast growth rate, enabling it to quickly reach canopy height and begin reproducing earlier than many native shrubs and trees. Its evergreen, leathery leaves form a dense canopy that casts permanent, deep shade over the forest floor throughout the year, unlike deciduous native plants.
This dense, year-round shade, combined with a high tolerance for low light and poor soil conditions, gives the Cherry Laurel a significant competitive advantage. It can readily establish itself in the understory of woodlands. The plant is a prolific producer of small, dark, cherry-like fruits, which contain seeds and ripen in early autumn.
These fruits are readily consumed by birds, which then disperse the seeds over wide distances in their droppings, allowing the plant to spread rapidly and escape garden boundaries. Furthermore, the plant possesses the ability to spread vegetatively through root suckering and layering, where branches touching the ground can root and form new plants. Once established, the leaves contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides, causing the foliage to be avoided by most native herbivores and allowing a layer of unconsumed leaves to accumulate on the forest floor.
Regional Regulation and Environmental Consequences
The environmental impact of Cherry Laurel is primarily characterized by a significant reduction in native biodiversity where it establishes itself. The plant forms impenetrable, dense thickets, often referred to as monocultures, which effectively crowd out native understory plants by blocking light. This creates a simplified habitat structure, leading to a loss of the native flora that supports local insect and animal populations.
The establishment of these dense laurel thickets prevents the natural regeneration of native trees, fundamentally altering the composition of woodlands over time. In many parts of Europe, the plant is officially recognized as an invasive threat. For example, it is classified as a high-impact invasive species by the Irish National Biodiversity Centre and is a concern in the United Kingdom and parts of Central Europe.
In North America, its invasive status is also noted in specific regions, such as the US West Coast and the Metro Vancouver region in Canada, where it is confirmed as a species of concern. Environmental agencies often list it on invasive species watchlists due to its proven ability to escape cultivation and cause localized ecological harm. The formation of these dense stands can also impose a financial burden on landowners and conservation groups due to the costs associated with its removal and habitat restoration.
Control and Removal Methods
Managing established Cherry Laurel requires a multi-year approach due to its vigorous ability to regrow and its persistent seed bank. For seedlings and smaller plants, the most effective method is physical removal, which involves manually digging or pulling the plant when the soil is moist. It is important to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent suckering and regrowth.
For larger, mature shrubs, a cut-stump method is generally the most reliable way to achieve complete control. This technique involves cutting the stem as close to the ground level as possible. After cutting, a concentrated herbicide is immediately applied to the freshly cut surface, specifically targeting the cambium layer just inside the bark.
The immediate application of the chemical is crucial, as the cambium tissue transports the herbicide down to the roots to kill the entire plant and prevent re-sprouting. Following any removal, continuous monitoring is necessary to locate and eliminate any newly germinating seedlings that may emerge from the disturbed soil or existing seed bank.
Native and Non-Invasive Alternatives
For homeowners seeking a dense, evergreen screen without the invasive risk, several native and non-invasive ornamental plants offer similar aesthetic and functional benefits.
Non-Native Alternatives
English Yew (Taxus baccata) is a dense, slow-growing evergreen that can be tightly hedged for a formal look. Non-native alternatives, such as Photinia ‘Red Robin’ or Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), also provide excellent year-round screening and are generally not considered invasive.
Native North American Alternatives
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) provides dense evergreen foliage and attractive flowers, although it is a slower grower and prefers partial shade and moist soil. Shrubs like Wax Myrtle (Morella cerifera) or various species of Holly (Ilex) offer evergreen foliage and dense screening capabilities, supporting local wildlife and avoiding the ecological risks associated with Prunus laurocerasus.