Sheep Laurel
(Kalmia angustifolia)
Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)
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A. Barra
CC BY 3.0
Image By:
A. Barra
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Copyright:
CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: A. Barra | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: Cillas | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Kalmia_angustifolia_Rubra.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Photo taken September Hills Forest rambles |Source=uploaded by photographer |Date=23 September 2008 |Author=SatuSuro |Permission=Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 |other_versions= }} {{cc-by-sa-3.0}} [[Category:User:SatuSuro/gallery |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kalmia angustifolia, commonly known as Sheep Laurel, is an evergreen shrub native to peat bogs, pine barrens, and dry open woods in the Eastern USA and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 15–90 cm (6–35 in) and is known for its attractive, small, deep crimson-pink flowers that bloom in early summer. The flowers are quite showy, appearing in clusters below the terminal whorls of leaves on the woody stems. New shoots can arise from dormant buds on buried rhizomes, a process that is often stimulated by fire. Sheep Laurel’s evergreen foliage and dense growth habit make it a popular choice for ornamental garden shrubbery.
Sheep Laurel is valued for its low maintenance, tolerance of cold climates, and its ability to thrive in acidic soils. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in border plantings. While it prefers moist, acidic soil, it can adapt to various moisture levels and is best grown in partial shade to full sun. The species has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. Popular cultivars include K. angustifolia f. rubra, which also boasts the award for its rich red flowers. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can suffer from problems such as leaf spot and root rot if not properly cared for. Additionally, Sheep Laurel can be difficult to transplant due to its preference for undisturbed habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sheep Laurel is valued for its low maintenance, tolerance of cold climates, and its ability to thrive in acidic soils. It is often used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, or in border plantings. While it prefers moist, acidic soil, it can adapt to various moisture levels and is best grown in partial shade to full sun. The species has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. Popular cultivars include K. angustifolia f. rubra, which also boasts the award for its rich red flowers. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can suffer from problems such as leaf spot and root rot if not properly cared for. Additionally, Sheep Laurel can be difficult to transplant due to its preference for undisturbed habitats.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 4-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Peat bogs, pine barrens, and dry open woods
Other Names
Common Names: Dwarf-Laurel, Pig-Laurel, Sheep-Laurel, Sheepkill, Wicky, Lambkill, Schmalblättrige Lorbeerrose, Smalle Lepelboom, Smalbladig Kalmia
Scientific Names: , Kalmia angustifolia, Kalmia angustifolia f. angustifolia, Kalmia angustifolia var. ovata, Kalmia angustifolia f. candida, Kalmia amgustifolia,
GBIF Accepted Name: Kalmia angustifolia L.