Taxonomy
Prunus laurocerasus | Cherry Laurel | Labhras silíní
Pre 2017
2017 - 2020
Status
Conservation status
Not Assessed
First reported in the wild
1950
Invasiveness
Invasive species - risk of High Impact
Irish status
Established
Introduction pathways - 1
Escape from Confinement
Introduction pathways subclass - 1
Ornamental purpose
Invasive score
18
NAPRA Ireland risk assessed
No
Species Biology
Identification
Evergreen shrub, up to 10m tall, leaves oblong-ovate 5-15cm, flower white, with purple-black fruit (Stace, 1997).
Ecology
Outcompete native species and suppresses regeneration by forming thick stands and avoids herbivory by wildlife (Maguire et al., 2008). Grows in association with Rhododendron ponticum.
Habitat
Woodland, forest and other wooded land; Mires, bogs & fen; Grasslands and landscapes dominated by forbs, mosses or lichens; Constructed, industrial or other artificial habitats; Inland unvegetated or sparsely vegetated habitats
Reproduction
Spreads by layering and suckering. Fruit may be eaten and dispersed by birds (Reynolds, 2002).
Pathway and vector description
Commonly used plant as shrubbery, escaped from cultivation and has since spread widely (Reynolds, 2002).
Mechanism of impact
Competition, Bio-fouling
Broad environment
Terrestrial
Habitat description
Common in woodland, it is considered a threat to a priority habitat namely "Lowland woodland pasture and parkland" (Stokes et al., 2004).
Species group
Plant
Native region
Europe
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Established - Widespread & Common, locally abundant (Reynolds, 2002).
Native distribution
South west Asia (Maguire et al., 2008).
Temporal change
Date of first record category
1941-1950
Fifty year date category
1901-1950
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
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How can you help
Report any sightings to the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Follow the code of practice for removal.
References
Publications
Maguire, C.M., Kelly, J. and Cosgrove, P.J. (2008). Best Practice Management Guidelines Rhododendron Rhododendron ponticum and Cherry Laurel Prunus laurocerasus. Prepared for NIEA and NPWS as part of Invasive Species Ireland.
Reynolds, S.C.P. (2002) A catalogue of alien plants in Ireland. National Botanic Gardens. Glasnevin, Dublin.
Stace, C. (1997). New Flora of the British Isles 2nd Edition. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Stokes, K., O'Neill, K. & McDonald, R.A. (2004) Invasive species in Ireland. Report to Environment & Heritage Service and National Parks & Wildlife Service. Quercus, Queens University Belfast, Belfast.