Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous? A Complete Safety Guide for UK Gardens
Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is one of the UK’s most widely planted evergreen hedges, loved for its privacy, fast growth and year-round colour. But because it contains naturally occurring compounds found in many common plants, gardeners often wonder whether cherry laurel is poisonous — and if it poses risks to pets or children.
This guide provides a clear, evidence-based breakdown of cherry laurel toxicity, who it affects, what parts are harmful, and how to plant and manage the hedge safely.
Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous? The Short Answer
Yes — cherry laurel contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release small amounts of cyanide when the leaves or seeds are crushed or chewed.
BUT:
It is safe to grow in UK gardens
Cherry laurel is planted in hundreds of thousands of public parks, schools, estates, and gardens across the country.
The risk to pets and children is extremely low
Accidental ingestion is rare because:
- The leaves are large, bitter and tough
- The berries taste unpleasant
- Animals generally avoid them
- Toxicity requires chewing/crushing, not swallowing whole
Laurel’s toxicity is similar to apple seeds, almond leaves, and cherry tree foliage
It is not unusually dangerous.
Which Parts of Cherry Laurel Are Poisonous?
Different parts contain varying levels of cyanogenic compounds.
1. Leaves — Mildly Toxic When Chewed
- Bitter taste deters eating
- Dangerous only if chewed in large amounts
- Dry leaves contain less active compound
2. Stems and Shoots — Low Toxicity
- Contain similar compounds to leaves
- Not commonly eaten by animals
3. Berries — Low Risk Unless Crushed/Chewed
This is the most misunderstood part.
The fleshy part of the berry is not highly toxic.
It is the seed inside that contains cyanogenic compounds.
Swallowing whole seeds = low risk
Crushing and chewing seeds = releases cyanide
Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous to Dogs?
Dogs are highly unlikely to eat cherry laurel.
Reasons:
- Leaves are extremely bitter
- Berries taste unpleasant
- Dogs rarely chew tough leaves
Most reported cases involve:
- Puppies chewing fallen branches
- Dogs eating large amounts of leaves during boredom
- Deliberate chewing due to curiosity
Symptoms of ingestion (rare):
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Rapid breathing
If a dog eats a large number of chewed leaves, contact a vet, but this is extremely uncommon.
Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous to Cats?
Cats are even less likely to ingest laurel:
- They don’t chew leaves
- They avoid bitter-tasting plants
- They prefer soft grasses
Cats are far more likely to nibble houseplants than hedges.
Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous to Horses, Cattle or Livestock?
Livestock poisoning is extremely rare in the UK and almost always connected to:
- Laurel branches blown into fields after storms
- Laurel clippings dumped over fences (a common gardener mistake)
IMPORTANT:
Never dispose of hedge trimmings into fields.
This is the most relevant safety issue for farms.
Safety Tips When Growing Cherry Laurel
Despite containing natural toxins, cherry laurel is entirely safe when planted and maintained correctly.
1. Don’t plant laurel inside animal enclosures
Use outside paddocks, not inside them.
2. Remove fallen branches after storms
Especially in horse fields.
3. Don’t compost laurel leaves if you have grazing animals
Keep compost heaps fenced.
4. Don’t allow children to chew leaves or seeds
Explain that the hedge is for looking, not eating.
5. Wear gloves when pruning
To avoid eye irritation from sap.
Why Is Laurel So Common If It Is Toxic?
Cherry laurel is widely grown because:
- It is extremely hardy
- It tolerates shade and clay
- It grows rapidly
- It creates excellent privacy
- Poisoning incidents are extremely rare
Cherry laurel is no more dangerous than these everyday hedge plants:
- Cherry trees
- Apple trees
- Peach leaves
- Privet
- Yew
- Oleander
- Rhododendron
Many popular garden plants contain naturally occurring toxins.
What To Do If Someone or an Animal Eats Laurel Leaves
For adults or children
- Rinse mouth
- Drink water
- Do not induce vomiting
- Contact NHS 111 if symptoms appear (very unlikely)
For pets
- Call a vet
- Give fresh water
- Monitor for drooling or vomiting
Are Laurel Berries Poisonous to Birds?
Surprisingly: No. Birds CAN safely eat laurel berries. Why?
- Birds swallow berries whole
- The seeds pass through uncrushed
- Cyanogenic compounds are only dangerous if chewed
- Blackbirds, thrushes and robins commonly feed on ripe laurel berries.
Final Verdict – Is Cherry Laurel Safe to Grow?
- Safe for UK gardens
- Safe around children
- Safe for dogs and cats
- Safe for wildlife
- Safe for farms (with sensible precautions)
The plant should simply be treated like any other garden species that contains natural toxins.