🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Portuguese Laurel is primarily used as an evergreen hedging or screening plant in permaculture designs. It can provide shelter and habitat for wildlife. While the fruits are technically edible, they contain cyanogenic glycosides and are best avoided, especially raw. Selected cultivars offer different growth habits and leaf colors for ornamental purposes.
Permapeople description
Prunus lusitanica, the Portuguese laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France. It is prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom in early summer. The plant produces small, dark purple fruits, though they are not commonly eaten. It is often used as a hedge or screen in gardens and landscapes.
Botanical description
Prunus lusitanica, the Portuguese Laurel, is an evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae family. It typically grows to 6-10 meters tall, sometimes reaching 20 meters. The bark is dark grey and smooth when young, becoming fissured with age. The leaves are alternate, ovate-lanceolate, dark green, glossy, and 6-12 cm long. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant, borne in racemes 10-15 cm long in late spring. The fruit is a small, dark purple or black cherry-like drupe, about 1-1.5 cm in diameter. It is native to the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France.
Companion planting
Its dense evergreen nature can provide shelter for other plants. It generally doesn't have specific companion planting recommendations, but avoid planting it near plants that are highly sensitive to root competition due to its vigorous root system.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically done by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or layering.
History and traditions
Historically, Prunus lusitanica has been used in traditional medicine, though information is limited. It's primarily known for its ornamental use in gardens and parks, particularly in regions with mild climates. Its dense growth makes it suitable for creating formal hedges and topiary.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs in late spring (May-June). Fruit ripens in late summer to early autumn (August-September). Cuttings can be taken in summer. Planting is best done in autumn or spring. Pruning can be carried out in late winter or early spring.