Kalmia Latifolia, Mountain Laural Tree, Shrub and Vine Identification Fact Sheet

This is the tree, shrub, and vine identification project fact sheet for Kalmia latifolia, Mountain Laurel. This fact sheet may not be copied in part or in whole and submitted as one's own project, but may be cited as a source of facts during one's own research. See tree, shrub, and vine identification project main page for links to other plants, and evergreen shrub slideshow for pictures.
Plant Botanical Name: Kalmia latifolia

Common Name: Mountain Laurel

Family Name: Ericaceae

Plant is Native to What Country: Eastern North America

Plant Height at Maturity: 5-12 feet tall and wide.

Plant Habit and Form: Broadleaf Evergreen shrubs generally have irregular branching and an overall rounded shape. Specimens tend to have increased density in areas of greater light.

Foliage: Elliptical leaves arranged alternately, tending to cluster at the tips of the stem. Leaves are 2-5 inches long and 0.75-1.5 inches wide, with smooth, entire margins and pointed tip. Leaves are dark green and glossy, become yellow-green in full sun.

Bark: Bark brown, with small ridges and furrows. Stems often curving and twisted.

Flower: Showy, light pink to white flowers resembling shallow cups or bowls 0.75-1 inch wide are borne in 4-6" clusters at tips of twigs in late may to June. Flowers last two weeks.

Fruit/Seed: Small brown capsules not having any ornamental significance.

Growing Requirements: Plants grow best in a moist acidic soil high in organic content. Plants grow best in part shade or full sun; in deep shade growth becomes thin and flowers sparse. Avoid exposed, windswept areas.

Problems and Drawbacks: Dislikes high PH soils and is prone to lacebug. Plants in shade can get leafspot. Burning of the foliage in exposed sites can be a problem.

Special Uses: Useful as a large foundation planting. Great for part shade locations and valued for its evergreen leaves, picturesque stems, and flowers.

ID Tips/Remarks: Flower clusters upright.

Bibliography: http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/k/kallat/kallat1.html, http://plants.usda.gov/java/charProfile?symbol=KALA