Side by side
Holly or cherry laurel? How to tell them apart
Ilex aquifolium · Prunus laurocerasus
How to tell them apart – holly: smaller leaf with a spiny edge; cherry laurel: larger leaf without spines.
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How do you recognise them?
- Holly
- Evergreen, glossy leaf with spiny edges; red berries in winter.
- Compared with cherry laurel: smaller leaf with a spiny edge.
- Cherry laurel
- Evergreen, large glossy leaf without spines; upright clusters of white flowers.
- Compared with holly: larger leaf without spines.
| Holly | Cherry laurel | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Alternate, evergreen, leathery and glossy dark green, 5–10 cm; wavy edge with sharp spines. Higher up the tree the leaves are often spineless. | Alternate, evergreen, leathery and glossy light green, 10–20 cm, edge smooth or shallowly toothed. A few small glands underneath near the base. |
| Flowering | May | Upright spikes of small white flowers in April–May (April–May). |
| Fruit | Red berries on female trees, from autumn into spring. Poisonous to humans. | Glossy black little cherries; seeds and leaves are poisonous. |
| Bark | Smooth and grey, even on old trees. | Grey-brown and smooth. |
| Shape and height | Broadleaf tree, 3–15 m | Shrub, 3–8 m, usually a shrub or hedge |
| Site | Sun to shade, any garden soil, normal | Sun to shade, any garden soil, normal |
| Native to Belgium | Yes | No, an invasive alien species |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees, butterflies and birds | Little |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
| Pruning months | March–April and July–August | May–June and August–September |
What does it mean for your garden?
- Holly is poisonous to people and pets: take care with children and animals.
- Cherry laurel is an invasive non-native species: do not plant it. Pull up seedlings and choose a native species instead.
- Cherry laurel is poisonous to people and pets: take care with children and animals.
- Holly is native: it feeds more insects and birds than a non-native species. If in doubt, choose this one.
Read on
- Plant profile: Holly
- Plant profile: Cherry laurel
- Holly: when and how to prune
- Cherry laurel: when and how to prune
- Identification key: the question that separates them
Also looks like
- Holly or Japanese holly
- Bay laurel or cherry laurel
- Holly or Oregon grape
- Holly or holly olive
- Holly or holm oak
- Spotted laurel or cherry laurel
- Camellia or cherry laurel
- Photinia or cherry laurel
Identify by feature
This comparison is compiled from the Bladwijzer species pages.