In some regions (such as the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the Pacific Northwest of North America), this species can be an invasive plant.

[11][12] Its rapid growth, coupled with its evergreen habit and its tolerance of drought and shade, often allow it to out-compete and kill off native plant species.

[citation needed] The species is found in woods and in shrubbery places as an escape in Northern Ireland[13] and commonly planted in parks and gardens.

[14] The species that are mainly found in Turkey's Eastern Black Sea Region (mainly Trabzon and Giresun) are categorized as endemic plants.

Laurel water, a distillation made from the plant, contains prussic acid (hydrogen cyanide) and other compounds and is toxic.

[citation needed] The freshly cut wood is creamy white and smells of almonds, It turns to orange and brown when dried.

[citation needed] Prunus lusitanica, Portuguese laurel, is similar in appearance, but may be distinguished by its sharply toothed leaves and red petioles.