Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is an Old World evergreen species of the cherry family. Often mistaken for edible bay laurel, Prunus laurocerasus is toxic. Like the bay laurel, P. laurocerasus is used to make victory wreaths, hence the term laureate.
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The cherry laurel in America is a different species, Prunus caroliniana. The leaves and branches of P. carolianiana are highly toxic, and the berries are poisonous to humans and most animals. Birds enjoy them in winter. P. caroliniana has a limited range in SE America.
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Prunus laurocerasus, a species of cherry (Prunus) is not a true laurel. It's native to Black Sea coasts in SW Asia and SE Europe, and from Albania and Bulgaria east to the Caucasus Mountains and north Iran. It's a shrub to medium sized tree with glossy green leaves.
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The laurel wreath originates in Greek mythology, as worn by Sun God Apollo. Its use and symbolism is later embraced by the Romans. In Rome, the laurel wreath or cherry laurel wreath represents military victory. Commanders or emperors don the wreath after battle.
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Prunus laurocerasus of Europe and west Asia grows as a shrub or tree to 5-15 m (16-49 ft) tall. The leaves are dark green, leathery, shiny and when crushed can exude an almond scent. The flower buds appear in early spring and open in early summer.
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The almond scent comes from the cyanide compounds in the oils of the plant. When ingested they produce prussic acid. Despite its toxic aura the tree yields somewhat edible fruit (the flesh around the seed). Bitter fruit should not be eaten. It's higher in cyanide.
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Flowers are sweet-smelling, creamy white petals with yellow stamens. The fruits are small cherries under 2 cm long each. Through summer they may turn green, orange and red. In early autumn they ripen, turning black.
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Ingesting leaves, stems and seeds of Prunus laurocerasus can cause cyanide poisoning. In Nero's Rome the cherry laurel plant is used for execution, political assassination and forced suicide.
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Cyanide or prussic acid comes from natural elements in some food and plants. A fast-acting chemical, cyanide inhibits the body's ability to use oxygen. Cyanide is described as having a “bitter almond” smell. It doesn't always always have an odor; if so, not everyone detects it.
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Cyanide is ubiquitous in very small amounts. Lethal exposure can be accidental. Upon exposure to cyanide the body reacts almost immediately. Symptoms include
pain & tightness in chest
confusion
dizziness
weakness
eye pain, tears
over-excitement
difficulty breathing
headache
nausea
change in heart rate
change in breathing
restlessness
vomiting
wheezing
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Larger or concentrated amounts, or prolonged exposure, causes such symptoms as
seizures
lung damage
abnormally high or low blood pressure
loss of consciousness
coma
death
Survivors may be left with heart, brain, and nerve damage. The seeds of the cherry laurel are poisonous like the rest of the plant, containing cyanogenic glycosides and amygdalin, the chemicals releasing the smell of almonds when leaves are crushed.
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Honey of this plant may be toxic. Unlike the wood of its sweet fruitful relatives of the Prunus family, cherry laurel wood is not good for carving. Wood of cherry laurel is high in water, and can split and distort as it dries.
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Fresh wood is creamy white, possibly with an almond odor. It turns to orange and brown when dried. Some sections may be workable, made into bowls or small objects.
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In folk medicine fresh leaves are antispasmodic, narcotic and sedative. This plant is said to treat coughs, asthma, dyspepsia and indigestion. Externally, a cold infusion of the leaves might be used as a wash for eye infections.
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