| Carolina Laurelcherry is a small evergreen tree native to the outer Coastal Plain in North Carolina. The glossy leaves are usually entire, but may have a few teeth, especially on fast-growing young trees. When crushed, they release the pleasant cherry-like odor of cyanide -- see Black Cherry (P. serotina) for more on that. New Hanover Co., NC 8/26/06.
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| Carolina Laurelcherry is planted as an ornamental and often escapes from cultivation in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont of North Carolina. This young tree is an escape on the Duke University campus. Durham, NC 4/4/07.
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| Durham, NC 4/11/2002.
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| Flower detail. Durham, NC 4/11/02.
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| Durham, NC 4/14/2011.
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| Durham, NC 4/14/2011.
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| Durham, NC 4/14/2011.
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| Durham, NC 4/14/2011.
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| Carteret Co., NC 9/28/08.
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| Carteret Co., NC 9/28/08.
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| The fruits, technically drupes, turn from green to deep reddish-purplish as they ripen, then black when fully ripe. Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.
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| The cherries are edible, but the stone is large and covered by only a thin layer of flesh. The fruits are greatly enjoyed by birds. Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.
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| Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.
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| Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.
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| Dare Co., NC 11/7/08.
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| Like most cherries, the bark has horizontally elongated lenticels. It is rougher in texture than that of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina). New Hanover Co., NC 8/26/06.
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| Durham, NC 3/28/07.
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| Durham, NC 4/14/2011.
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More information:
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
NC State Fact Sheets: Trees | Poisonous Plants
Virginia Tech Dendrology
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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