(Prunus laurocerasus, also Laurocerasus officinalis), evergreen shrub, of the rose family (Rosaceae), native to Europe but cultivated, particularly as a hedge plant, in other temperate regions. The Carolina cherry laurel (P. caroliniana) is a closely related species. P. laurocerasus grows about 5.4 metres (18 feet) tall and has glossy, rather oval or lance-shaped leaves 10-15 centimetres (4-6 inches) long. The small white flowers grow in an elongated cluster 5-12 cm long.