Spurge laurel is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub in the Thymelaeaceae. It is native to central and eastern Europe, Turkey, and Iran. The common name February daphne comes from the fact that it flowers in the late winter. This small upright shrub typically grows to a height and width of 3 to 5 feet. Plant it in a cool partially shady to full shade location, with protection from the wind. Full sun will scorch the leaves. It prefers moist organically rich sandy alkaline soils. The shiny green leaves alternate, and simple. The flowers very fragrant, lilac to rose-purple or white with two or three per cluster and developing before the leaves. The fruits are clustered at the stems starting out green and turn a red or yellow. It is resistant to browsing by rabbits and can be planted near black walnut trees. Use them as informal hedge or place them an a location where there sweet-fragranced flowers can be enjoyed. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: They are susceptible to viruses and botrytis. It can be difficult to grow especially with southern hot summers.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
All parts of the plant are highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten. Skin irrigation minor or lasting only for a few minutes. Swelling of lips and tongue, thirst, difficulty of swallowing, nausea, vomiting, internal bleeding with bloody diarrhea, weakness, and coma; skin irritation with blisters upon contact with leaves.
Toxic principle
Diterpenoid (mezerein), daphnin
Contact dermatitis
Yes
Toxicity summary
High severity poison; parts: Bark; Fruits; Leaves; Sap/Juice; contact dermatitis