Is Cherry Laurel Poisonous? – Cyanide Risk for Pets and Humans

Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The leaves, stems, bark, and seed kernels inside the berries all contain cyanogenic glycosides - compounds that release hydrogen cyanide when plant cells are damaged during chewing or digestion. Wilted or cut leaves are particularly dangerous because the wilting process accelerates cyanide release. This is a serious poisoning risk, not a mild irritant.

If a pet or child has eaten leaves, berries (and chewed the seeds), or bark from cherry laurel, call for help immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.

Which Parts of Cherry Laurel Are Toxic?

The cyanogenic glycosides (mainly prunasin) are present throughout the plant:

• Leaves: Highly toxic, especially when wilted or chewed. A crushed leaf has a noticeable bitter almond smell - this is a direct indicator of cyanide potential.
• Seeds (kernels): The seed inside each berry is the most concentrated part. The fleshy outer berry is less toxic on its own, but animals and children who eat the berries often chew them, cracking the seed.
• Stems and bark: Also contain cyanogenic glycosides.
• Flowers: Present but lower concentration than leaves.

Fallen, wilted leaves from pruned hedges are a particular risk for dogs that forage outdoors.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Dogs and cats: Per the ASPCA Prunus group listing, signs of cyanide poisoning include brick-red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock. Progression can be rapid. A dog that has eaten a significant amount of cherry laurel leaf material may deteriorate quickly.

Horses: Similar presentation - respiratory distress, weakness, and cardiovascular signs.

Humans and children: Cyanide poisoning causes headache, anxiety, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting in early stages. With more significant exposure: rapid breathing, confusion, and weakness follow. In serious cases: seizures, brick-red skin discoloration (from impaired oxygen use at the cellular level), loss of consciousness, and cardiac effects. Children are at much greater risk than adults because the effective dose scales with body weight.

The bitter almond smell on a child’s breath after eating cherry laurel material is a warning sign.

What to Do

This is a medical emergency if significant plant material was consumed.

1. Call 911 immediately for a child or adult showing symptoms of cyanide poisoning.
2. Call poison control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) if ingestion is suspected but no symptoms have appeared yet - do not wait.
3. Call your emergency vet immediately for animals.
4. Tell responders the plant involved is cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) and that cyanogenic glycosides are the concern.
5. Do not induce vomiting unless a medical professional directs you to.
6. If possible, bring a sample of the plant or a photograph to help identify the exact exposure.

Safe Handling and Precautions

Cherry laurel is one of the most widely planted hedge species in temperate climates, particularly in Europe and the UK. Its popularity means many households and gardens have it without awareness of its toxicity.

• Wear gloves when pruning. Wash hands after handling any cut material.
• Do not leave fresh prunings or wilted cuttings where dogs can access them. Wilted clippings on the ground are more dangerous than fresh leaves still on the plant.
• Supervise children in gardens or yards bordered by cherry laurel hedges. Teach children not to eat the berries.
• Clean up fallen leaves and berries promptly in autumn.
• If you have dogs that routinely forage in the garden or eat plant material, consider whether a cherry laurel hedge is appropriate for your yard, or fence off the hedge line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cherry laurel berries safe to eat? The flesh of ripe berries has lower concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides, but the seed inside each berry is toxic. Because children and animals tend to chew berries rather than swallow them whole, seed exposure is the practical concern. Treat the berries as toxic.

Is cherry laurel the same as bay laurel? No. Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) is the culinary herb used in cooking. Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a separate species with a completely different chemistry and is not safe to use as a food herb. Do not substitute one for the other.

Why are wilted leaves more dangerous? Cyanogenic glycosides in the plant are activated by enzymes. Wilting or cell damage from cutting allows the plant’s own enzymes to begin converting these glycosides to hydrogen cyanide before the plant is even eaten. Fresh leaves on the plant still require chewing to release the cyanide, but wilted material has already begun that process.

Can I keep a cherry laurel hedge if I have a dog? Many households do, with no incidents. The risk rises significantly if your dog eats plant material. If your dog forages or chews on garden plants, a cherry laurel hedge poses a genuine hazard. At minimum, pick up and dispose of prunings and fallen leaves promptly, and monitor your dog’s access to the hedge line.