Cherry

Cherry laurel is the dense, fast-growing broadleaf evergreen that has been the default hedge and screen plant across Western Washington for decades. The large, glossy, dark green leaves create an impenetrable visual barrier, and the plant responds to shearing with vigorous regrowth that fills gaps quickly. White flower spikes appear in spring, followed by small black fruits that birds disperse, which is part of the problem. It grows ten to twenty feet or more if left unpruned. Native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia.

Cherry laurel grows in virtually any condition, sun, shade, wet soil, dry soil, clay, sand. That adaptability, combined with bird-dispersed seeds, has made it invasive in natural areas across Western Washington. It escapes from gardens and establishes in forest understory, where it forms dense stands that crowd out native plants. Many regional agencies discourage new plantings. If you have an existing cherry laurel hedge that serves its function, maintain it. If you are choosing a new hedge, consider Portuguese laurel (Prunus lusitanica), which is less aggressive, or non-Prunus alternatives like holly osmanthus or Burkwood osmanthus that provide similar screening without the invasiveness baggage.