Cherry laurel and spurge laurel are both toxic to horses. We at InstantHedge are always on the lookout for the best hedge varieties to grow, and we recently began production on a laurel that is hardy to Zone 5! Carolina Laurel Cherry is a small evergreen shrub to small tree that may easily grow to 35 feet tall. Be careful when you come to dispose of prunings. It has none of the poisonous, rampant invasiveness of the cherry laurel and yet is a tough, hardy evergreen shrub or small tree that will also make a hedge. All other Laurel hedging varieties (including berries) are poisonous to both humans and animals. If you want a quick screen then plant your laurel hedging plants at 2ft apart but if you are willing to wait a bit longer, you will get just as dense a hedge by planting at 3ft apart. Are Laurel Hedges Poisonous to Horses? The cherry laurel, also known as English laurel, is one of the most popular hedge plants. parts are very poisonous. Also, check out more hedge types with both deciduous and evergreen options. Mountain laurel can be poisonous to cattle. Copyright 2020 FindAnyAnswer All rights reserved. However, Laurel hedges planted in gardens are often in the proximity of both pets and young children and we are not aware of any problems arising for any of our customers. Suitable for any normal soil and position and the following : Ultimate Height : 17ft (5.2m) Exposed/Windy: Hedge Height: 4ft+ (1.2m+) Damp Shade: Av. Misc: RHS AGM, Shrub, Wildlife Value: Shade: Full Shade, Partial Shade: Area: Coastal Areas, Exposed Windy Areas : Soil: Poor/Dry: Colour: White/Cream: Type: Evergreen, Hedging, Screening: Prunus laurocerasus Rotundifolia. ALL parts (leaves, berries etc.) If you are concerned about the toxicity of Laurels then we would recommend choosing the non-poisonous Bay Laurel, or another alternative hedge. This species is native to the southern United States. United Kingdom),: 84 bay laurel, sweet bay, true laurel, Grecian laurel, or simply laurel. It is often used as the classic hedge found in formal gardens and can grow up to 30 feet tall without pruning. This basin will allow water to run in. If your new hedge is accessible to livestock such as sheep, horses, or household pets such as dogs, we would recommend you choose an alternative species: Elaeagnus ebbingei – another evergreen with silvery foliage and scented flowers. Often a good compromise is 2’6″ apart. Laurel hedge plants produce hydrocyanic acid which can cause serious complications if ingested. These do not affect everyone, but some individuals may acquire sensitivity to them, resulting in an allergic reaction. Care should be taken whilst planting your hedge and avoid chipping the wood, as this can release hydrocyanic fumes into the air. 100 metres of hedge presents a lot of green leaves to stock who like to nibble (especially wintertime when grass is not available). ALL parts (leaves, berries etc.) Laurel 'Caucasica' hedge plants are fast growing and should achieve 30-60cm a year, with a final hedge height of 1.5m - 5m. Common Laurel Hedge Plants. Root ball plants can be planted from November into May. Are Laurels Poisonous to Humans? Many animals will simply be found dead. Full sun is preferred but it is tolerant of shade as long as the soil is moist and well-drained. If required, Laurel hedging plants can be clipped to maintain a medium height, more formal hedge. Whilst oaks are one of our most invaluable native species, you must be aware that their acorns can also be poisonous – so make sure you gather them up and remove them, or perhaps consider temporary fencing during the autumn. Correspondingly, is a laurel hedge poisonous? Laurel – A Complete Guide to Planting and Caring for a Laurel Hedge. Click on the links below to learn more about the individual varieties of laurel hedging. 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