Description: A very common large shrub of parks and demesnes, often forming huge dense thickets, and as an understorey in planted woodland. Native to SW Asia (around the Black Sea etc.) and the eastern Balkans; introduced to Ireland and now a nuisance in many places. The leaves are thick and laurel-like, poisonous with cyanide, the white flowers are produced on upright spikes and are succeeded in autumn by blackish cherry-like fruits which should not be eaten.

All names: Prunus laurocerasus L.

Distribution Map from NBN: Prunus laurocerasus at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Prunus laurocerasus at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.