Spurge laurel

Daphne laureola

NEED


Description

An evergreen shrub that grows upright or arched at the base and spreads upward. Young branches are green while mature branches are grey with a yellow hue. The dark green, glossy leaves are alternate and spirally arranged and cluster at the shoot tips. The yellow-green, bell-shaped flowers bloom between March and May and emit a honey-like fragrance. The fruits are berries are green at first and then blacken when ripened.

Habitat

Woodlands and shady places

Distribution

Coastal Washington and Oregon

Impacts

Poses a particular threat to Douglas fir forests and Garry Oak woodlands of the Pacific Northwest; blocks out sunlight, out-competes native flora for water and nutrients, alters the soil chemistry, and potentially alters natural succession; leaves, bark, and berries are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats

Dispersal Methods

Birds and rodents

Prevention

Look for spurge laurel under bird-perch tree branches.

Listings

Not listed

Factsheets

King County Noxious Weed Control Program Fact Sheet
Stevens County Noxious Weed Control Board Fact Sheet

Photos

http://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?query_src=photos_index&where-taxon=Daphne+laureola

Distribution Map

Distribution in Oregon
Distribution in Washington

Other Links

Written Findings of the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board
Toxic Plant Warning from Work Safe BC