ExplorePlants

sheep laurel

Kalmia angustifolia

Sheep laurel is a pretty shrub with lovely pink flowers that bloom in spring. It grows in cool, shady places and is a favorite of many little creatures in the forest.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The sheep laurel is a small, upright evergreen shrub with narrow, leathery leaves that remain green year-round. It has clusters of distinct cup-shaped, bright pink to deep magenta flowers, making it visually stand out in its typically green or brown habitat.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusKalmia
sheep laurel
bell_shaped_flower trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badge
sheep laurel

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Early settlers sometimes used its strong, flexible wood to make small tools and handles!

Its unique 'spring-loaded' stamens snap open to dust pollinators with pollen!

Sheep laurel is an evergreen, keeping its leaves all winter long even in the snow!

The scientific name, Kalmia, honors a famous Swedish botanist named Pehr Kalm!

Special abilities

Ability

Toxic Defense

Sheep laurel produces toxic compounds called grayanotoxins that help it deter hungry herbivores from eating its leaves and stems.

Ability

Winter Survivor

Its tough, evergreen leaves allow it to photosynthesize and survive through cold winters when many other plants have lost their foliage.

Ability

Pollen Flingers

The flowers have 'spring-loaded' stamens that snap open to fling pollen onto visiting insects, ensuring effective pollination.

Measurements & details

Height
50-150 cm
Spread
50-150 cm
Flower Size
0.5-1 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

collects nectar and pollen

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

Kalmia Leaf Beetle

Chrysomela kalmiae

larvae and adults feed on leaves

Traits

Also known as

Lambkill

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Do not touch or eat any part of the sheep laurel plant, as it can be harmful.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is sheep laurel?

50-150 cm

How wide does sheep laurel spread?

50-150 cm

How big are the flowers on sheep laurel?

0.5-1 cm

When does sheep laurel bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is sheep laurel edible?

No

Is sheep laurel toxic?

High

What is sheep laurel's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is sheep laurel pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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