Mountain Laurel
(Kalmia latifolia)
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
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Arx Fortis Wikipedia
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Photo by: Arx Fortis Wikipedia | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Knochen | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Kalmia_Latifolia.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=''Kennedia prostrata'' |Source=Digit Photograph -- Own Work |Date=August 28, 2008 |Author=Gnangarra |Permission=Gnangarra custom license |other_versions= }} {{User:Gnangarra/3.0}} [[Category:Photographs by Gnangarra]] [[Catego |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kalmia latifolia, commonly known as Mountain Laurel, is an evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States, particularly thriving in acidic, well-drained soils of forest understories, mountain slopes, and woodland borders. It typically grows to 3–9 m (9.8–29.5 ft) tall with a similar spread, and features a dense, rounded form. The foliage is dark green and glossy, providing year-round interest. The flowers, which are showy, are cup-shaped, ranging from light pink to white, and bloom in clusters in May and June. The blooms can attract pollinators such as bees. Some cultivars offer darker shades of pink, red, and maroon, enhancing the ornamental value of the plant.
Mountain Laurel is valued for its beautiful and unique flowers, evergreen foliage, and its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or as a foundation planting. It requires acidic soil with good drainage and can tolerate low water conditions once established. While all parts of the plant are poisonous, this characteristic can deter deer and other herbivores. It is susceptible to leaf spot and blight, and occasionally to pests such as the lace bug. Cultivation should avoid wet soils and excessive fertilization to prevent problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Laurel is valued for its beautiful and unique flowers, evergreen foliage, and its ability to thrive in shady conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized areas, or as a foundation planting. It requires acidic soil with good drainage and can tolerate low water conditions once established. While all parts of the plant are poisonous, this characteristic can deter deer and other herbivores. It is susceptible to leaf spot and blight, and occasionally to pests such as the lace bug. Cultivation should avoid wet soils and excessive fertilization to prevent problems.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 5-15 feet
- Width: 5-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Eastern United States, particularly thriving in acidic, well-drained soils of forest understories, mountain slopes, and woodland borders
Other Names
Common Names: Calico Bush, Spoonwood, Kalmia À Feuilles Larges
Scientific Names: , Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia latifolia var. latifolia, Kalmia latifolia var. laevipes, Kalmia latifolia f. myrtifolia, Kalmia latifolia var. alba, Kalmia latifolia var. fuscata, Kalmia latifolia var. polypetala, Chamaedaphne latifolia, Kalmia latifolia f. angustata
GBIF Accepted Name: Kalmia latifolia L.