English laurel
Prunus laurocerasus
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Pl. 8B64 — Prunus laurocerasus
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IOverview
Overview
English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a hardy perennial tree or shrub native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Iran, Libya, and parts of the Caucasus and Turkey. Known for its edible fruit and ornamental value, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. This plant is commonly found in areas with a hardiness zone of 6-8, making it adaptable to various climates within its native range. One distinctive feature is its ability to grow up to 6 meters tall, while another notable characteristic is its light requirement, thriving best in moist conditions.
Quick answers
What is English laurel?
English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a hardy perennial tree or shrub native to regions including Albania, Bulgaria, Iran, Libya, and parts of the Caucasus and Turkey. Known for its edible fruit and ornamental value, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soil with a pH between 5.
What is English laurel used for?
Traditionally used for stress & anxiety. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of English laurel
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: English laurel appears in herbal sources around calming and relaxation traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original moderate confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
English laurel thrives in moist, well-drained soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. It requires partial to full sun, with moderate water needs. This perennial grows up to 6 meters tall and can be cultivated as either a tree or shrub. Propagation is best done through semi-ripe cuttings in late summer. Hardy in temperate regions, it is suitable for zones 6-8.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
6.0 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow English laurel for the first time
7steps
Start with planting English laurel in a well-prepared soil and follow basic care instructions for the first two years.
- 1
What you'll need
A young English laurel plant, garden gloves, trowel, watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early fall when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5; loosen the topsoil if planting in containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots to your garden, ensuring roots are not damaged.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply once a week during dry spells; prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune annually to control size and shape, focusing on removing dead or crossing branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:CleanserDyeEssential OilHedgerowLumberGround coverFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 19 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 19 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 11 native· 19 introduced
Europe15 regions
native (4)AlbaniaBulgariaRomaniaRussia
introduced (11)DenmarkFranceGermanyIrelandItalyNetherlandsPortugalSpainSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia2 regions
native (2)IranTurkey
Africa1 region
native (1)Libya
Broader regions
native:Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
introduced:Washington, Argentina South, Lebanon-Syria, British Columbia, California, New South Wales, New Zealand North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
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