English laurel
Quick Summary
The term "English laurel" most commonly refers to Prunus laurocerasus, a European evergreen shrub or small tree cultivated as an ornamental, particularly for hedges. It is part of the rose family, Rosaceae. This plant is named for its resemblance to the unrelated bay laurel (Laurus nobilis).123
Both Prunus laurocerasus and Prunus caroliniana (Carolina cherry laurel) contain dangerous cyanogenetic glycosides, such as amygdalin, which can release hydrogen cyanide gas.1
Other plants also referred to as "laurel" include the California laurel (Umbellularia californica), a tree native to the Pacific coast of North America, and various other shrubs and trees like mountain laurel, native laurel, and black laurel.4567
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