Carolina Cherry
The Carolina cherry laurel tree has its pet peeves and weaknesses, like any other species on the planet, but is generally known for its hardy, almost insistent growth patterns. As a young sapling, this tree doesn’t look much different than a small flowering plant, as it ruts out of the ground with ten or so full grown leaves, surrounding a show of beautiful white flowers. The flowers are oblong, and almost resemble the shape of a big, juicy mulberry. The aforementioned full grown leaves are approximately 4 inches long and are a deep, glossy green. The Carolina cherry laurel will grow upwards of two feet taller per year, and can max out at 20’ if left to its own devices.
Most who carry the Carolina cherry laurel on their property will keep it trimmed down and back, but this must be done carefully. This tree is sensitive to being over harvested. Though the small black fruits do not appear until fall, going overboard with the seasonal trimming routine can cause this tree to not produce. Pruning must be done in moderation, almost as if you were sneaking up every couple of days and plucking one branch with each visit. If the Carolina cherry laurel skips one year of fruiting, or even experiences a decline in fruit production, it can begin going dormant before its time.
For one so picky about its branches, this tree can and will survive almost any climate, and in nearly any soil conditions. The Carolina cherry laurel is more capable of fending off diseases which commonly attack its cousins, but it does have one weakness when compared to the others. If the soil is too moist, and there is not enough drainage, this tree will very likely fall to root rot, which will show itself rather quickly in the condition of the plant.
Another characteristic of this tree which differs greatly from its peers is its fruit production timing. The Carolina cherry laurel does not blossom until mid to late summer. The tiny black fruit, which almost resembles a blueberry, ripens toward the end of the fall season and stays viable throughout the better part of winter.
This popular southern shrub is quite unique, and its popularity is of no surprise. Rarely a yard, south of Kentucky, should be gazed upon without the eye landing on some shape, size, or manner of Carolina cherry laurel. Some familiar relatives to this fascinating tree are the sweet bay, whose fresh leaves are a delicious and much coveted spice, and the Portugal laurel, who is hardier still than the Carolina native. Enjoy your shrub and cherry tree hunting experience, and take good care of the plants who take good care of you.