The Toxic Nature of English Laurel
English laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a popular evergreen shrub, often used for hedging and landscaping due to its glossy green leaves and rapid growth. Despite its appealing appearance, it is a highly dangerous plant. The leaves, seeds (found inside the berries), and stems all contain cyanogenic glycosides. When these compounds are crushed, chewed, or digested, they break down to release hydrogen cyanide, a potent and fast-acting poison.
The plant's toxicity is a significant risk, especially for curious children and pets who might be attracted to the shiny, black, cherry-like berries that appear in late summer and early autumn. Even fallen or wilted leaves can be dangerous as they can still contain concentrated levels of the toxins. It is a myth that cooking the berries makes them entirely safe; while the flesh may be edible in some circumstances, the highly toxic seeds remain a serious threat and proper preparation is challenging and risky.
Symptoms of English Laurel Poisoning
Accidental ingestion of English laurel can lead to a range of severe symptoms, which can manifest quickly, often within a few hours. The severity of the reaction depends on the amount ingested and the victim's body weight, making it particularly dangerous for children.
Common symptoms in humans include:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Neurological effects: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, and potential unconsciousness.
- Cardiopulmonary distress: Decreased respiration, difficulty breathing, and palpitations.
Symptoms in pets (dogs, cats, horses, and livestock) include:
- Excessive salivation and foaming at the mouth.
- Gastrointestinal upset: Stomach problems, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Respiratory failure: Breathing problems that can escalate to respiratory paralysis.
Comparison of English Laurel and Bay Laurel
To avoid dangerous confusion, it's critical to understand the difference between the toxic English laurel and the culinary Bay laurel. They are unrelated botanically and have distinctly different toxicity levels.
| Feature | English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) | Bay Laurel (Laurus nobilis) |
|---|---|---|
| Toxicity | All parts are highly poisonous, containing cyanide-releasing compounds. | Edible leaves are used in cooking; toxic compounds are present but at very low levels and toxicity is not a major concern when used correctly. |
| Leaves | Thick, glossy, evergreen leaves. When crushed, they may release a faint almond-like scent. | Leathery, aromatic leaves used as a herb. They are often sold dried. |
| Berries | Clusters of small, glossy, black, cherry-like berries. Highly toxic. | Small, purplish-black berries that are mildly toxic and generally not recommended for consumption. |
| Botanical Family | Rose family (Rosaceae), related to plums and cherries. | Laurel family (Lauraceae), a different plant family entirely. |
Safety Precautions in the Garden
Given the toxicity of English laurel, careful management is essential for households with children, pets, or livestock. Responsible gardeners should take several precautions to prevent accidental poisoning.
First and foremost, plant laurels in areas where children, pets, and grazing animals cannot access them. Consider using physical barriers, such as fencing, to protect young children and animals from getting near the plants. When pruning or handling English laurel, always wear gloves and long sleeves to avoid potential skin irritation, and be aware that crushing leaves can release fumes. Proper disposal of clippings and fallen berries is also crucial. They should be sealed securely and taken to a green waste site rather than left to compost where they could pose a risk.
Conclusion
To put it plainly, consuming any part of the English laurel is extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. The plant's high concentration of cyanogenic glycosides makes it a significant health hazard to humans and animals. It is critical to recognize the stark difference between this poisonous ornamental shrub and the edible Bay laurel used in cooking. By implementing proper garden safety measures, such as limiting access and carefully disposing of plant waste, you can prevent accidental poisoning and ensure a safer environment for everyone.
For more information on plant identification and toxicity, consult authoritative botanical resources or a local extension office.
English Laurel Toxicity Summary
- Deadly Chemicals: All parts of the English laurel plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release deadly hydrogen cyanide upon ingestion.
- High-Risk Parts: The seeds inside the berries and wilted leaves have particularly high concentrations of toxins.
- Risk to Children: Young children are at severe risk due to their lower body weight and natural curiosity, as even a small amount can be fatal.
- Danger to Pets: Many domestic and livestock animals are susceptible to poisoning, with severe gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms.
- Handling Precautions: Wear gloves when pruning or handling to prevent skin irritation and minimize exposure to potentially released toxic fumes.
- Safe Alternatives: For gardens with children or pets, non-toxic alternatives like Common Beech or Photinia are much safer evergreen choices.
- Do Not Cook: The dangerous cyanide-releasing compounds are not reliably destroyed by cooking, and the toxic seeds are still a threat.
Frequently Asked Questions About English Laurel Toxicity
Question: Can you get poisoned by touching English laurel? Answer: While not typically considered a contact poison, some people with sensitive skin may experience irritation from handling the leaves or berries. Additionally, crushing the leaves can release toxic fumes, so wearing gloves is always recommended when handling.
Question: What should I do if my pet eats English laurel? Answer: If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of an English laurel, contact a veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately. Symptoms in pets can include excessive drooling, vomiting, and breathing difficulties.
Question: Are the berries on English laurel safe to eat if cooked? Answer: No, the berries of the English laurel should not be eaten, even when cooked. The seeds inside contain dangerous levels of cyanide-releasing toxins, and proper preparation to eliminate all risks is not feasible or recommended for domestic use.
Question: How can I tell the difference between edible Bay laurel and poisonous English laurel? Answer: The key distinction is that English laurel leaves are thick and shiny, and the plant produces black, cherry-like berries. Edible Bay laurel leaves are used as a culinary herb and come from a different species entirely. English laurel leaves may have a faint almond scent when crushed.
Question: Is English laurel considered an invasive plant? Answer: In some regions, yes. For example, in parts of the Pacific Northwest (including Washington State), English laurel is considered an invasive species that can out-compete native plants.
Question: What are the best non-toxic alternatives to English laurel hedging? Answer: Safer, non-toxic hedging alternatives include Common Beech and Photinia. These provide excellent foliage and privacy without the associated toxicity risks.
Question: Do wildlife, like birds, eat English laurel berries safely? Answer: Some birds may consume the berries, but English laurel is toxic to various animals, including livestock and mammals. The berries can still be harmful to other wildlife, and they are especially dangerous for domestic pets.
Question: Why was English laurel once named a 'poisonous plant of the year'? Answer: In 2013, the cherry laurel was named "poisonous plant of the year" in Germany, highlighting its significant danger, especially to children. Its attractive appearance can be deceptive, and the risk of ingestion is particularly high among young, curious individuals.
