Portugal laurel

Prunus lusitanica L.

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

leaves, seeds, stems

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

cyanogenic glycosides

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: toxic. ASPCA has no species page but its genus page "Cherry (Prunus spp.)" lists toxic to dogs, cats and horses (cyanogenic glycosides), and NC State tags Portugal laurel Problem for Cats, Dogs and Horses. Oregon State says the cyanide risk to humans and to cats and dogs is small when plant parts are ingested but that ruminants are much more at risk; both sources are kept side by side. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 6a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; hardy to USDA zone 6 per Oregon State (hardier than P. laurocerasus)
Light: Full sun or partial shade (NC State).
Water needs: low low is a plain-language reading of NC State and Oregon State: drought tolerant once established and needs little water once established, in average moist, well-drained soil. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: US: NC State: 10-12 ft tall and wide at maturity (text); 10-20 ft tall and wide (attribute list); Oregon State: shrub 10-20 ft or tree to 50 ft; UK: Trees and Shrubs Online: usually 10 to 20 ft, occasionally 40 to 50 ft high and more in diameter

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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