Species library · Berries & fruit

Foraging Carolina Cherry-laurel

Prunus caroliniana

Typically in season from January to December, peaking around October to August in the northern hemisphere. Found in Woodland, Woodland edges. Has toxic lookalikes, so check carefully.

Carolina Cherry-laurel (Prunus caroliniana)

Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Nonbinary-Naturalist · iNaturalist

When Carolina Cherry-laurel is in season

Typical window in the northern hemisphere, peak October to August. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset, and your own timing depends on local weather, so check your town.

→ Everything in season to forage in September

Where it grows

Carolina Cherry-laurel is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

⚠ Look-alikes & safety

Deadly look-alikes: Cherry laurel, Mountain laurel, Yaupon holly. Only forage with a confident ID.

Take Carolina Cherry-laurel into the field

Open Carolina Cherry-laurel in the Forage app for its full field guide entry with more photos, key features and toxic lookalikes to check against. Add it to your watchlist and the app pings you the moment it comes into season at your exact spot, worked out from live weather, elevation and billions of occurrence records.

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Carolina Cherry-laurel: common questions

When is Carolina Cherry-laurel in season?

Carolina Cherry-laurel is generally in season from January to December, with its peak around October to August in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather. Check the Season Finder for your own location.

Where does Carolina Cherry-laurel grow?

Carolina Cherry-laurel is usually found in Woodland, Woodland edges.

Is Carolina Cherry-laurel safe to forage?

Deadly look-alikes: Cherry laurel, Mountain laurel, Yaupon holly. Only forage with a confident ID. Never eat any wild plant, berry, nut or mushroom unless you are completely certain of the identification. Check every find against a reliable field guide, and when in doubt, don't.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits