Mountain Laurel

Mycosphaerella colorata (Peck) Earle

Mountain Laurel is a lovely shrub with beautiful pink flowers. It blooms in spring and attracts butterflies and bees!

Habitat: Woodlands and mountains

Appearance

The Mountain Laurel is an evergreen shrub with glossy, dark green leaves. It boasts clusters of distinctive cup-shaped flowers, typically white, pink, or deep rose, often adorned with purple markings inside. Its elegant blooms and leathery foliage make it stand out in woodlands.

KingdomPlantaePhylumAscomycotaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusKalmia

Mountain Laurel

Interesting facts

Early American settlers used its extremely hard wood to make small tools.

Its scientific name, Kalmia latifolia, honors the botanist Pehr Kalm.

Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Pennsylvania, not just Connecticut!

The unique shape of its flowers has earned it nicknames like 'calico-bush'.

Special abilities

Mountain Laurel has special stamens that are spring-loaded, flinging pollen onto visiting insects to ensure pollination.

Mountain Laurel produces toxic compounds in all its parts, helping it defend against most hungry animals.

Mountain Laurel can thrive in very acidic, rocky soils where many other plants struggle to grow.

Measurements & details

Height: 150-400 cm
Spread: 150-300 cm
Flower Size: 1.5-2.5 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: High
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

These bees visit flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Honeybees help spread pollen between blooms.

shelters

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

Birds may use dense foliage for nesting and cover.

Traits

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.