How to identify Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)

How to identify Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)

Laurustinus, also known as Laurustinus viburnum

Laurustinus is recognized for its clusters of pink buds that blossom into white flowers during the winter to spring months. The flowers are a notable feature, and the plant is adorned with glossy, dark-green foliage year-round. The leaves provide a reliable identifying characteristic, independent of its flowering season. In terms of fruiting, laurustinus requires the proximity of a different viburnum variety for successful fruit set. This plant can stand out as a hedge or ornamental specimen, displaying a striking presence when grown in full sunlight to partial shade environments.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Laurustinus

White flowers from pink buds in winter-spring, 2-4 inches wide

Dark green, glossy leaves, opposite, simple, ovate-oblong shape

Ovoid fruit, blue to purplish-black, 0.4 inches diameter

Fruit contains single seed, hangs from branches, drupe structure

Fruit requires different viburnum for successful fruit set

Detailed Traits of Laurustinus

Leaf Features

The leaves of laurustinus are opposite, simple, and range from narrowly ovate to oblong in shape. They exhibit a lustrous dark green color on the upper surface and a paler hue underneath, often displaying axillary hair tufts. The edges are entire, and the petioles are typically pubescent. This foliage is characterized by its smooth texture and distinct vein patterns, contributing to its overall aesthetic appeal and ease of identification.

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

Laurustinus produces clusters of waxy, flattened white flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring. These flower clusters, also known as convex terminal cymes, are formed from pink buds and span 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in width. The flowers have a subtle, pleasant scent and are crucial for identification during their blooming period. Their distinct structure and timing make them easily noticeable, enhancing the plant’s ornamental appeal in cooler seasons.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of laurustinus is an ovoid, closely resembling a small berry, and represents a structurally simple drupe. It houses a single seed within. Initially, the fruit displays a blue hue and gradually ripens to a purplish-black tone. Typical of its kind, the fruit achieves a size of about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in diameter. The smooth surface texture and striking color transition are notable, adding to its identification markers. This fruit is often observed hanging from the branches during its maturation period, providing a visual contrast against the foliage.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Laurustinus and Their Similar Plants

American Cranberry Bush vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

The guelder-rose (*Viburnum opulus*) is a large deciduous shrub famous for its bushy appearance, snowball-shaped flowers, and clusters of bright red berries. Its fruits are very acidic, so they are usually relegated to jams. Due to the low toxicity of the fruit, large amounts of consumption may cause discomfort. The guelder-rose is one of american Cranberry Bush's national symbols and the main theme of the famous Russian song "Kalinka".

Japanese snowball vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

Japanese snowball is a popular deciduous ornamental shrub that can grow up to heights of 3 m tall. The japanese snowball blooms in the spring with clumps of white flowers that resemble snowballs and provides attractive foliage throughout the summer and fall.

Sweet viburnum vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

Sweet viburnum (Viburnum odoratissimum) is a small tree that is native to Asia, but widely cultivated throughout the globe as an ornamental tree in gardens. This species is considered easy to grow in warm climates but will become damaged in frosty, cold climates.

Wayfaring tree vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

The wayfaring tree can be used as an ornamental plant due to its vibrant berries. While beautiful, the berries are toxic and can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. It is native to Europe, northwest Africa, and southwest Asia.

Arrowwood viburnum vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

Arrowwood viburnum (*Viburnum dentatum*) is a small perennial woody shrub native to the eastern United States and Canada. This shrub is not typically used for ornamental purposes aside from shrub hedges. It has the potential to attract songbirds and white flies.

Leatherleaf viburnum vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) is an Asian native flowering plant. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant that is especially popular for shade gardens because It can grow in deep shade.

Koreanspice viburnum vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

Fragrant pink buds that turn to white blooms are the hallmark of the koreanspice viburnum, a member of the elderberry family. Also known as the Viburnum carlesii, this deciduous shrub is hardy in grow zones four through seven. Essentially rabbit proof, the koreanspice viburnum is attractive to butterflies and caterpillars and produces beautiful fall foliage. Only female bushes will produce berries.

Nannyberry vs. Laurustinus: What's The Difference?

This large bush, the nannyberry, is known for its lush green foliage which turns red in the fall. It grows interesting, uniquely flavored edible berry which looks a bit wrinkled when ripe. The nannyberry, or Viburnum lentago is sometimes called the sheepberry because its berries are said to have the fragrance of wet sheep’s wool when overripe.

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Key Facts About Laurustinus

Attributes of Laurustinus

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

2 m to 7 m

Spread

2.5 m to 3 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 cm to 10 cm

Flower Color

White

Pink

Cream

Fruit Color

Black

Blue

Stem Color

Green

White

Blue

Cream

Black

Leaf type

Evergreen

The Toxicity of Laurustinus

Slightly Toxic to Humans

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Scientific Classification of Laurustinus

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Honeysuckles, moschatels and allies

Family

Moschatel

Genus

Viburnum

Species

Laurustinus (Viburnum tinus)

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Distribution Map of Laurustinus

Laurustinus is native to the nations surrounding the Mediterranean on all sides. It most frequently occurs in the undergrowth of wooded areas close to the sea. This plant has only been introduced to a handful of regions, including Great Britain and Western America, where it has escaped from garden cultivation.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Laurustinus

A Comprehensive Guide to Laurustinus How to Grow and Care for Laurustinus