Spurge Laurel
Daphne laureola
Family: Thymelaeaceae
What it is like
Daphne laureola is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from February to April. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Woods, mainly on calcareous soils, where it is widespread and rather common.
Western and southern Europe, from Britain and Belgium to Spain and Macedonia, N. Africa, W. Asia.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Its native range covers much of Europe and extends to Algeria, Morocco and the Azores. Now distributed to other areas including the US.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves have been used as an emmenagogue, though they can cause purging and vomiting. Both the leaves and the bark have been used to procure abortions. The plant contains various toxic compounds and these are currently being investigated (1995) for anti-leukaemia effects.
Abortifacient: Causes an abortion.
Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.
Emetic: Induces vomiting.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.
Other
Rating: 0
Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent
How it is grown
Prefers a moist soil and a position in semi-shade, growing well in woodlands. Plants are often found growing in dense shade in the wild. A good sandy loam suits most members of this genus. Flowers are produced towards the ends of the previous year's growth. They are sweetly scented. Plants are resentful of root disturbance and should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe with the pot sealed in a polythene bag to hold in the moisture. Remove this bag as soon as germination takes place. The seed usually germinates better if it is harvested 'green' (when it has fully developed but before it dries on the plant) and sown immediately. Germination should normally take place by spring, though it sometimes takes a further year. Stored seed is more problematic. It should be warm stratified for 8 - 12 weeks at 20°c followed by 12 - 14 weeks at 3°c. Germination may still take another 12 months or more at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow the plants on in the greenhouse for their first winter and then plant out in spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are poisonous. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people.
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Outside its native range, D. laureola can become a dangerous invasive weed. It is a Class B Noxious weed in Washington state, USA. It is considered problematic in garry oak and similar ecosystems in British Columbia. It has the ability to rapidly colonize areas forming monotypic stands and competing with native plants.
Its other names
Local names
Daphne-laurel, laurel-leaved daphne, olive-spurge, wood laurel, copse laurel