prunus caroliniana
Common names are Carolina cherry laurel, Carolina cherry, or Cherry laurel.
Native to the lowlands of Southeastern United States, from North Carolina south to Florida and westward to central Texas.
Small to medium-sized evergreen tree, growing from 16 – 40 feet tall, with a spread of 20 – 30 feet. When crushed, the leaves and green twigs emit a fragrance described as resembling maraschino cherries or almond extract.
Fragrant white to cream colored flower appear from late-winter to early spring. The fruits are tiny black cherries, primarily consumed by birds.
