Switzerland has banned the sale and import of cherry laurel since September 1st. This is to prevent the spread of this invasive species, which is often used as a hedge.
The new measure does not require growers to remove and destroy existing specimens.
The plant, whose Latin name is Prunus laurocerasus, is native to Asia Minor. It is an evergreen plant that is resistant to heat and drought and quickly grows into an impenetrable barrier.
The cherry laurel offers little for native insects because it contains toxins. It offers little nectar for tame bees and butterflies and is also avoided by grazing animals.
If ingested, cyanide-containing hydrogen cyanide may be formed in the stomach.
“Invasive, non-native species can cause ecological, economic and health damage,” the government said in announcing the ban. It said cherry laurel often spread so quickly that it crowded out native plants, leaving insects without food.
According to a report by the UN Biodiversity Platform (IPBES), invasive species play a key role in 60% of animal and plant species extinctions.
Switzerland has banned a total of 31 imported plant species.
