There are a few of these trees growing in our suburban Charleston neighborhood, and after squinting at a lot of online photos, I’m thinking this may be Prunus caroliniana? Can you confirm or correct, please? I took the photos a few days ago, so it’s in fruit now.
Many thanks,
Virginia
Hi Virginia,
you are correct – it is the Carolina laurel cherry, Prunus caroliniana, a native evergreen shrub. It can also be spread by birds which like the fruits.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven R. Hill, Botanist, SCNPS