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Ericaceae
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Ambition and perseverance.
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Genus
- Kalmia
- Native to
- Eastern United States, Canada
- Bloom season
- Spring, Summer
- Type
- shrub
- Height
- 5-15 ft
- Sunlight
- partial shade to full sun
- Soil
- acidic, well-drained, humus-rich
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 4-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Mountain Laurel is the state flower of both Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
- Its unique flower has spring-loaded stamens that catapult pollen onto visiting bees when triggered.
- All parts of the plant are toxic to humans and livestock, containing grayanotoxins that can cause serious illness.
- The dense, gnarled wood was historically used to make pipe bowls, tool handles, and clock gears.
- Mountain Laurel thickets in Appalachian forests can become so dense they are called 'laurel hells' because they are nearly impenetrable.
Color meanings
0
ambition
1
perseverance
2
treachery