Knowledgebase
are these young laurel plants? #810544
Asked September 12, 2022, 10:57 PM EDT
Hi, I have a laurel plant in my yard (see picture of large plant). I recently started seeing young plants around the yard that I think are young laurel plants. If they are I was going to keep a few but I'm not 100% sure. Do you think these are laurel plants? Also, are Laurel plants invasive in MD?
Thanks
Krissy
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Krissy!
The little ones look like one of the wild cherries - they are difficult to distinguish from each other until they grow and exhibit some more identifying characteristics. Birds distribute the seeds through scat. They are unrelated to Cherry Laurel (your large shrub); Cherry Laurel is a non-native shrub and not considered invasive. You can read more about Cherry Laurels in the home garden here: https://marylandgrows.umd.edu/tag/cherry-laurel/
Jamie
While I can't tell right now given their age whether they're native to the US or not, trees in the Prunus genus (Cherry/Plum family) are the second most important trees supporting the highest number of pollinators - 340 species! They're considered a Keystone Species because of this high value to wildlife. A full list of the Keystone Species for our area can be found here.
It would be worth it to leave them to grow because of the potential value they add to your home ecosystem. Next year when they start to flower and fruit, send us additional photos so we can confirm the species for you.
Jamie
My pleasure!
