Spurge Laurel

Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is also an invasive plant, which has wider, finely-toothed leaves and long cylindrical inflorescences.

A native to Europe, Southwestern Asia, Northern Africa and the Mediterranean, Spurge Laurel was introduced to Southern and Coastal BC as a garden ornamental.

Spurge Laurel can be found along roadsides and in moist wooded areas. It is shade tolerant, so it will grow in sunny or shaded areas, and thrives in well-drained soils, especially in forest understories. This plant does not require soil to be disturbed in order to spread.

Spurge Laurel reproduces primarily by seed, but can also spread through root sprouts. Spurge Laurel plants begin producing seeds after 4 years of growth. Berries emerge shortly after the flowers bloom, and the seeds can produce new plants. The seeds are often spread by birds and rodents who eat the berries but can’t digest the seeds.

Spurge Laurel is also spread via the horticulture trade, as it is sometimes sold in nurseries for its attractive foliage.

Spurge Laurel has been found in some sites in Squamish and south, so PREVENTION and ERADICATION are key:

• Do not purchase, trade, or grow Spurge Laurel; choose regional native plants that are naturally adapted to the local environment and are non-invasive.
• Ensure plants (particularly flowering heads or root fragments) are bagged or covered to prevent spread during transport to designated disposal sites (e.g., landfill).
• Monitor disturbed and undisturbed sites for invasive plants, including Spurge Laurel.
• Don’t unload, park, or store equipment or vehicles in infested areas; remove plant material from any equipment, vehicles or clothing used in such areas and wash equipment and vehicles at designated cleaning sites before leaving infested areas.

 

Control

Mechanical Control:

Caution: All parts of Spurge Laurel are poisonous, and contain a sap that causes skin rashes.

• Wearing protective gear (waterproof gloves, rubber raincoat and pants, eye protection, and possibly a respirator), small Spurge Laurel plants may be hand-pulled.
• For larger plants, cut the stem below the root collar (which is located below the surface of the soil); it is safer not to dig up mature plants.
• Plant material must be bagged and taken to a landfill (DO NOT COMPOST).
• Monitor area for any new seedlings and cover with deep mulch.
• See WorksafeBC for more information on how to protect yourself from Spurge Laurel.

Chemical Control:

• From bud to late blooming stage, plants may be spot-sprayed until leaves and stems are wet with a product containing triclopyr (in accordance with the conditions listed on the label).
• Note that there is potential to injure nearby broadleaf plants when using triclopyr.
• We recommend that any herbicide application be carried out by a person holding a valid BC Pesticide Applicator Certificate. Before selecting and applying herbicides, you must review and follow herbicide labels and application rates; municipal, regional, provincial and federal laws and regulations; species-specific treatment recommendations, and site-specific goals and objectives.

Biological Control:

There are currently no known biological agents for Spurge Laurel.