spurgelaurel (Daphne laureola L.)

Appearance
Daphne laureola is an evergreen shrub that can grow from 2-4 ft. (0.61-1.2 m) tall.

Foliage
Leaves are whorled, dark green, 1-5 in. (2.5-12.7 cm) long, thick, smooth, and shiny. Stem bark is gray to yellowish in color.

Flowers
Flowers are found in clusters of 2 to 10 small, fragrant, and pale green with orange stamens. Blooming occurs from late January to early April.

Fruit
Fruits are oval black to bluish berries containing a single seed. Berries ripen in early summer. Plant reproduces by seed as well as by root sprouts.

Ecological Threat
Daphne laureola grows best is areas with partial to deep shading such as woodlands. It is native to Europe and the Mediterranean. Be aware, this plant is poisonous to humans and can cause contact dermatitis when touched.

Selected Images

Maps

EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org

State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.

Invasive Listing Sources

Taxonomic Rank

Domain: Eukarya

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Superorder: Rosanae

Order: Myrtales

Family: Thymelaeaceae

Genus: Daphne

Daphne laureola L.

References

Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.

Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.