Spurge laurel Daphne laureola
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as spurge-laurel is an evergreen shrub that boasts a rich, dark green foliage. The leaves are narrow, elongated, and glossy, which contributes to the plant's sleek, polished appearance. It tends to form dense clusters of these leaves, which can create a full and lush impression. Spring brings small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not particularly showy, but they emit a powerful and sweet fragrance that can be quite noticeable. The flowers are succeeded by round, black berries, which stand out distinctly against the green backdrop of leaves. Despite their attractive look, it is essential to note that these berries are toxic and should not be consumed. The overall form of spurge-laurel is bushy and can spread, but this description consciously excludes its actual dimensions in compliance with your instructions.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Thymelaeaceae.
Synonyms
Spurge Laurel, Wood Laurel, Laurel-Leaved Daphne, Olive-Spurge, Copse Laurel.
Common names
Daphne laureola subsp. philippii, Daphne laureola var. philippii, Daphne pontica, Laureola officinalis.
ToxicityTo humans
Spurge laurel is toxic to humans if ingested, causing symptoms such as burning sensations in the mouth and throat, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even convulsions or coma in severe cases. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis, blisters, and irritation. Due to its toxic components, ingestion of any part of the plant could potentially lead to serious medical issues and should be avoided.
To pets
Spurge laurel is also toxic to pets, and ingestion can lead to symptoms similar to human poisoning, including drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potentially more severe reactions such as seizures or coma. The sap can cause dermatitis and irritation on skin contact. It is critical to prevent pets from chewing on or ingesting any part of this plant due to its toxic nature.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape aesthetics: Spurge-laurel has deep green foliage and an attractive form, making it a pleasing addition to gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife support: The plant provides food and habitat for various species of birds and insects, contributing to local biodiversity.
- Shade tolerance: As an understory plant, spurge-laurel is capable of growing in shaded conditions, making it versatile for planting in different garden settings.
- Low maintenance: Once established, spurge-laurel requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance option.
- Evergreen foliage: The plant retains its leaves throughout the year, ensuring constant greenery even in winter months.
- Drought resistance: Spurge-laurel is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and dry garden conditions.
Medical Properties- Emetic: Spurge laurel has historically been used as an emetic to induce vomiting.
- Purgative: It has also been known to be used as a purgative to relieve constipation.
- Diuretic: Some traditional uses include acting as a diuretic to promote the production of urine.
- Treatment of skin conditions: There are indications that it has been applied externally to treat various skin conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Daphne laureola leaves have historically been used to produce a green dye for textiles.
- Ornamental Use: With its evergreen foliage and early spring flowers, Spurge laurel is appreciated for ornamental purposes in shaded garden spots.
- Insect Repellant: The strong scent of Spurge laurel has been said to repel certain insects, making it useful in gardens for pest control.
- Hedge Plants: Spurge laurel can be used as a hedge plant due to its dense growth and tolerance of pruning.
- Small Craft Materials: The wood of Spurge laurel is hard and fine-grained, making it suitable for small turned objects like tool handles.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, Spurge laurel plays a role in traditional celebrations or folklore.
- Soil Erosion Control: The dense root system of Spurge laurel makes it an excellent plant for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion on slopes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Spurge laurel can provide shelter and food for birds and small mammals within its native range.
- Landscape Restoration: Spurge laurel may be used in woodland restoration projects to help re-establish native flora.
- Photography Subject: The early blooming flowers and berries of Spurge laurel make it an interesting subject for nature photographers.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSpurge laurel is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySpurge laurel is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Poison: Daphne laureola, also known as Spurge Laurel, has toxic berries, which can symbolize danger and the need for caution.
- Chastity: In classical mythology, the nymph Daphne was turned into a laurel tree to protect her virginity, associating this plant with purity and virtue.
- Victory: Similar to the bay laurel, its resemblance to the laurels used in ancient Greece to crown victors can symbolize triumph and success.
- Protection: The transformation myth of Daphne can also lead to the plant symbolizing a shelter or protection from unwanted advances or harm.
- Elegance: With its glossy leaves and delicate flowers, Spurge Laurel can represent grace and refinement.
WaterSpurge laurel should be watered deeply but infrequently, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Generally, it should be watered with about 1 gallon of water per week but adjust according to weather conditions, more in hot, dry periods and less during cool, rainy seasons. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering. Over the winter, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture during this dormant period.
LightSpurge laurel thrives best in partial shade to full sun; however, in hotter climates, it benefits from protection from the harsh afternoon sun. A spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal. Avoid deep shade as it may result in fewer flowers and a leggy growth habit.
TemperatureSpurge laurel is hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 0°F and as high as 90°F but prefers a moderate climate. The ideal temperature range for thriving growth is between 50°F and 70°F. Excessive heat or cold outside of this range may stress the plant and require additional care such as mulching or providing shade.
PruningPruning spurge laurel is necessary to remove any dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. It is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Prune sparingly, as the plant does not require heavy pruning and can be sensitive to over-pruning. Deadheading the spent flowers after blooming can encourage more blooms the following season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSpurge laurel thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix can be created using equal parts of loamy garden soil, peat, and perlite to ensure adequate drainage and moisture retention.
RepottingSpurge laurel does not require frequent repotting and can generally be repotted every 2-3 years, or when it outgrows its current pot. Care should be taken to minimize root disturbance during this process.
Humidity & MistingSpurge laurel prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of its native understory habitat. Aiming for a humidity level of around 40-50% is beneficial for the plant's health and growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place spurge laurel in bright, indirect light and ensure moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with shelter from strong winds and rich soil.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Daphne laureola is Spurge-laurel. This plant begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring after dispersal, typically by birds, with seedlings emerging in shaded, woodland environments. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with a small rosette of leaves close to the ground, and over several years, they mature into evergreen shrubs with leathery, lance-shaped leaves. In late winter to early spring, Spurge-laurel produces greenish-yellow flowers, which are small and emit a strong fragrance to attract pollinators. Following pollination, the flowers develop into round, blackish berries by late summer, which are then eaten and dispersed by birds, continuing the reproductive cycle. The plant is perennial, capable of living and reproducing for many years, with individual shrubs sometimes surviving for decades under suitable conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
Spurge laurel, or Daphne laureola, is most commonly propagated through seed. Ideal propagation time is typically in the fall after the berries have ripened. To propagate by seed, collect ripe berries and remove the seeds from the fruit, then sow them immediately in a cold frame. Seeds require a period of cold stratification to germinate, so sowing them outside in the fall allows natural stratification to occur over winter. Germination may still be slow and erratic even with stratification, and it can sometimes take up to 18 months for seedlings to emerge. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown on in cooler conditions until they are large enough to plant outdoors in their final positions.
