Cherry laurel and laurel cherry
Prunus laurocerasus, P. caroliniana
- Plant type
- shrub
- Settings
- Landscaped and ornamental
- Risk
- High risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Evergreen shrub with shiny leathery leaves; broken twigs have a strong cherry-bark smell; black fruit (Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Remove trimmings and storm debris.
- Fence off hedges.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Cyanogenic glycosides
- Toxic parts
- Leaves (wilted especially), twigs, seeds
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. Merck lists all grazing animals; poisoning is very fast once wilted leaves are eaten.
Signs in goats
Gasping, staggering, trembling, convulsions, bright red gums and blood (Merck).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Dangerous all seasons, especially winter and spring; wilted leaves, bark and twigs carry the toxin (Merck).
Sources
Links last checked: 2026-10-31