English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a popular ornamental hedge due to its dense, glossy evergreen foliage and rapid growth. Every part of the English Laurel plant is toxic if ingested by humans or animals. It contains compounds that, when metabolized, can lead to serious health issues, requiring caution when grown near children or pets.
The Toxic Agent and Risky Plant Parts
The toxicity of English Laurel stems from cyanogenic glycosides, chemical compounds that include prunasin and amygdalin. These glycosides are not inherently toxic until the plant material is damaged. When the leaves or seeds are chewed, crushed, or digested, an enzyme called beta-glucosidase initiates a reaction.
This reaction produces hydrogen cyanide (HCN), also known as prussic acid, a fast-acting poison that interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen. The highest concentrations are found in the seeds or pits inside the berries, as well as in the leaves, particularly when they are wilted or freshly cut. Though the flesh of the mature fruit contains a lower concentration, the small, black berries can be attractive to children and pets, elevating the risk of accidental ingestion.
Recognizing Symptoms of Ingestion
Symptoms of English Laurel poisoning can manifest rapidly, sometimes within just a few hours after the plant material has been consumed. Initial, milder signs of ingestion often involve gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive drooling in pets. A person may also experience headache, dizziness, or an unpleasant scratching sensation in the throat.
As the hydrogen cyanide is absorbed into the bloodstream, more severe systemic symptoms can occur. These can include weakness, rapid and shallow breathing, hyperventilation, and a fast, abnormal heart rate. In severe cases, particularly with substantial ingestion, symptoms may progress quickly to hypotension, tremors, convulsions, collapse, and potentially coma.
Emergency Protocol and Immediate Steps
If a person, especially a child, is suspected of ingesting English Laurel, immediate action is necessary. Contacting a poison control center or emergency medical services without delay is the most important step. In the United States, the national Poison Control Center can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222.
For a pet, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. When speaking to a professional, be prepared to describe the plant part eaten, the quantity, and the time of ingestion. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give the person or pet anything to eat or drink unless explicitly instructed to do so by a medical or veterinary professional.
Safe Gardening Practices
Managing English Laurel safely requires careful handling and maintenance to minimize exposure risks. Always wear protective gardening gloves and long sleeves when pruning the hedge, as crushing the leaves can release toxic compounds that may cause irritation. Proper disposal of all clippings is necessary, as wilted leaves retain their toxicity and can be a hazard to grazing animals and pets.
Ensure that all pruned branches, fallen leaves, and berries are promptly collected and secured for green waste disposal, rather than being left accessible on the ground. If the plant is situated in an area frequently used by small children or pets, consider removing the plant entirely and substituting a non-toxic alternative hedge species. Preventing access to the attractive black berries is a primary method of reducing the risk of accidental poisoning.