Cherry Laurel
Common Name – Cherry Laurel Tree
Irish Name – an t-uisce beatha
Latin Name – prunus laurocerasus
Quote by A.E. Housman
‘‘Loveliest of trees, the cherry now is hung with bloom along the bough.’
Cherry laurel trees are a popular ornamental tree that is native to regions of southwestern Asia and southeastern Europe. It is a member of the Rosaceae family. They are known for their glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers, which bloom in the spring and summer. Cherry laurel trees can grow up to 30 feet tall and are often used as a hedgerow plant or as a specimen tree in a garden. It is also a popular tree for landscaping due to its attractive foliage and easy maintenance. The tree can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
In addition to their aesthetic value, cherry laurel trees are also used in traditional medicine and have been used to treat a variety of ailments. Cherry laurel water is used for treating cough, colds, trouble sleeping (insomnia), stomach and intestinal spasms, vomiting, muscle spasms, pain and cancer. Cherry laurel trees are also important for wildlife, providing shelter for animals. The trees leaves and berries are toxic to many animals, including horses, cattle and humans.