Bog Laurel
(Kalmia polifolia)
Bog Laurel (Kalmia polifolia)
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Superior National Forest
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Superior National Forest
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Superior National Forest | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0 | Uploader: File Upload Bot (Magnus Manske) | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Kalmia_polifolia_4_(5098087740).jpg | Notes: ;Scientific name:Kirengeshoma palmata *{{ja|キレンンゲショウマ}} Place:Osaka-fu Japan {{Information| |Description = Kirengeshoma palmata |Source = KENPEI's photo |Date = 2007-08-02 |Author = KENPEI |Permission =GFDL,Creative Commons Att
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Kalmia polifolia, commonly known as Bog Laurel, is an evergreen shrub native to acidic bogs, wetlands, and cold peat-accumulating areas in northern North America, including parts of Canada and the northern United States. It typically grows to a height of about two feet and is characterized by its small, leathery, blue-green leaves and clusters of deep pink to purple flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are showy and cup-shaped, attracting bees for pollination, but it is noteworthy that the honey produced from this plant can be toxic.
Bog Laurel is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its attractive flowers and compact size, making it suitable for rock gardens, bog gardens, and as a ground cover in acidic soil conditions. It requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and other fungal diseases. Gardeners should be cautious when handling this plant, as all parts are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bog Laurel is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its attractive flowers and compact size, making it suitable for rock gardens, bog gardens, and as a ground cover in acidic soil conditions. It requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. While it is relatively low maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot and other fungal diseases. Gardeners should be cautious when handling this plant, as all parts are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2.5-3 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Acidic bogs, wetlands, and cold peat-accumulating areas
Other Names
Common Names: Bog-Laurel, Swamp-Laurel, Northern Bog Laurel, Pale Bog Laurel, Pale Laurel, Swamp Laurel, Kalmia Pâle, Kalmia À Feuilles D’Andromède, Tuvkalmia
Scientific Names: , Kalmia polifolia, Kalmia glauca, Kalmia polifolia subsp. polifolia, Kalmia polifolia f. leucantha, Chamaedaphne glauca, Kalmia glauca var. rosmarinifolia, Kalmia oleifolia, Kalmia polifolia f. polifolia, Kalmia polifolia subsp. rosmarinifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Kalmia polifolia Wangenh.