Hunting at Roadside III #3

Cherry Laurel (Prunus Laurocerasus) is an evergreen shrub and can be an invasive plant. Its rapid growth, coupled with its evergreen habit and its tolerance of drought and shade, often allow it to out-compete and kill off native plant species.

The leaves can have the scent of almonds when crushed. The flowers buds appear in early spring and open in early summer. The fruit is a small cherry, turning black when ripe in early autumn. It is spread by birds, through the seeds in their droppings.

The toxicity of the seed inside the fruit is similar to the cyanide toxicity of the seeds inside the common fruits apricot and peach. Leaves and seed may cause severe discomfort, and death, to humans if ingested. Historically, it was used for execution and political assassination in the Roman Empire.