Cherry laurel, who doesn’t know it? For some it is a pretty plant with evergreen leaves that forms opaque hedges. For others, either a symbol of horticultural wasteland or an ecological plague. The cherry laurel has long been a thorn in the side of conservationists: an invasive neophyte that, as a non-native plant, takes away the habitat of local plants. Switzerland is therefore acting now and has imposed a ban on cherry laurel and other invasive plant species from September 1, 2024.
Switzerland bans further neophytes
In addition to cherry laurel, the spell also hits the butterfly bush and the bluebell tree, among others. According to the Swiss Federal Council, the sale of certain invasive alien plants to third parties, such as sales, gifts and imports, is prohibited. As merkur.de reports, the ban on handling is further expanded in the Release Ordinance: “It regulates that various invasive alien plants may no longer be used in the environment, i.e., for example, they may no longer be brought onto the market, planted or propagated. Import controls are also possible.
Love-hate relationship between German gardening enthusiasts
Cherry laurel has been under constant media fire in Germany for several years. Proponents and opponents regularly clash in garden forums. A major point of criticism is the uncontrolled spread of cherry laurel. Its seeds and leaves also contain so-called cyanogenic glycosides. After they are chewed, toxic hydrogen cyanide forms in the stomach. Therefore, cherry laurel should not be the first choice when designing your garden. There are numerous domestic alternatives that have a significantly higher ecological value, e.g. E.g. hawthorn and blackthorn.
How likely is a cherry laurel ban in Germany?
There are numerous plants on the Union list of invasive species in Germany. EU-wide ownership and marketing bans apply to these. Cherry laurel, butterfly bush and bluebell tree are not yet on the banned list. However, they are classified as potentially invasive by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation. However, in response to a request from the portal MyHomebook.de, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation gave the all-clear: “No possession or marketing bans can currently be derived from this.” However, if it occurs in the wild, it must be checked to what extent other plants could be at risk.
With material from merkur.de, kraut&rüben