Portugal Laurel (Prunus lusitanica)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Prunus lusitanica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The fruit is probably edible when fully ripe but should not be eaten if it is bitter because this bitterness is caused by the presence of toxic compounds, see the notes above on toxicity. — The fruit is probably edible when fully ripe but should not be eaten if it is bitter because this bitterness is caused by the presence of toxic compounds, see the notes above on toxicity.; The fruit is about 8mm in diameter and contains one large seed.; Seed - raw or cooked.; Do not eat the seed if it is too bitter - see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests in the mountains of the Iberian peninsula. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)