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Rosaceae
Portuguese Laurel Flower
Prunus lusitanica
Victory and achievement.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Prunus
- Native to
- Portugal, Spain, France, Morocco
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- tree
- Height
- 20-40 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to partial shade
- Soil
- moist, well-drained, adaptable
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 7-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The long, fragrant flower racemes attract more than 70 species of insects, making it one of the best pollinator plants for hedgerows.
- Its dark berries are eaten by birds but are toxic to humans, containing hydrogen cyanide compounds typical of the cherry family.
- Portuguese laurel can live for over 200 years and some specimens in Portuguese monastery gardens date to the medieval period.
- Unlike English laurel, it is completely hardy to cold and tolerates wind exposure, making it superior for coastal hedging.
- The leaves release a cherry-like scent when crushed, a telltale sign of the cyanogenic glycosides within.
Color meanings
0
glory
1
success
2
ambition