State of Arkansas' Largest Cherry Laurel Co-Champion
City of Fort Smith TreeQuest Winner - 2004
City's Largest Known Species to Date

---

Our Cherry Laurel has had a tough go with past storm damage and is not the most attractive species. None-the-less it continues to thrive and was recognized as the Co-winner for the largest Cherry Laurel recorded to date in Arkansas. It shares this honor with another Cherry Laurel in Holly Grove, (Monroe County) Arkansas that has the same bigness index of 91.

Bark: The bark is dark gray to black, hard, and resistant to breakage.

Foliage: The 2 - 4 inches long and 1 inch wide leaves are alternate, simple, elliptical-shaped, and glossy. Depending on type of soil, they range in color from dark green to yellow-green with small, fine teeth or notches, and give off a pleasing fragrance similar to maraschino cherries. There is no fall color change, although some leaves will discolor in winter sun and wind.

Flowers: The fragrant, fuzzy, white flowers are favored by bees and bloom from late March to April, and are followed by prolific fruit.

Fruit: The round, fleshy, 3/8 - 1/2 inch fruit is green and matures to blue-black. It ripens in October and will persist into the winter. The seeds easily germinate in the landscape oftentimes in landscape beds. The seeds are favored by birds and some mammals.

---

More Information

Tree ID Number:	539
Scientific Name:	Prunus caroliniana
Mature Height:	20 - 40ft
Canopy Spread (Diameter):	15 - 25ft
Branching Shape:	Oval, round
Growth Rate:	Fast
Wood Strength:
Cold Hardiness Zone:	7-10
Soil Moisture Requirements:	Moist, Dry
Light Requirements:	Sun, Part or Dappled Shade
Common Pests:	Leaf spots, chewing insects.
Comments:	Tree has a distinct cherry odor when the stems are bruised. Leaves carry a high concentration of hydrocyanic acid that makes the plant unpalatable and dangerous to livestock and humans.

Find this tree on the Campus Map

---

<< Previous Tree • All Trees • Next Tree >>