Planting and Growing the Mountain Laurel
Also known as Calico bush, the Mountain laurel is from the heath family of plants. It is native to the United States and is botanically known as Kalmia latifolia or by its synonym Kalmia latifolia var. laevipes.
Mountain Laurel Description
Growing 12 to 20 feet high, this evergreen can be a thicket-producing shrub or a small crooked trunk tree. Branches are spreading and the crown is round. Leaves are leathery and can be light-green, dark-green, or purple depending on the season. They are glossy and oval. Flowers are in clusters, pink, and large. They have a bell-like look to them and may have white or rose spots inside the bells. Bloom season is between June and July.
Growing Guide
Mountain laurel prefers to grow in partial shade and moist soils. Propagate by seed after a period of cold-moist stratification.
Distribution
This native is found in the states of Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, and West Virginia. It is seen in cool meadows and pastures.
Warnings
All parts to the Mountain laurel are poisonous and can be fatal. It has a resinoid called andromedotoxin and a glycoside called arbutin.
Wildlife Attracted
It does attract both birds and butterflies to the landscape. It is a larval host plant specifically to the Laurel Sphinx moth.
Uses
The wood of a Mountain laurel has been used for tool handles and for briar tobacco pipes.
Source: NPIN
Published by Tina Samuels - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Author of three books, Tina Samuels is also the owner of Turtle Trax Hobbies. She s been a freelance writer for 20 years and a small business owner for three. Two of her three books are slated for a Spring 2... View profile
- Guide to Native Plants of Washington StateA guide to the native plants of Washington state. Where to obtain them and how to use them in your garden and landscape.
Guide to Native Plants in Los Angeles, CaliforniaLearning how to grow native plants in Los Angeles, California has the potential of reducing the resident's water bill considerably. With L.A. water conservation restrictions in...- Gardening with Native PlantsThe benefits for homeowners who wish to use native plants in their landscape for home improvement or naturalistic landscape are explored.
Ten Tips for Planting and Growing Native PlantsFollow these tips for planting native plants. No matter where you are growing native plants these gardening guidelines are applicable to native gardening in your yard.- Guide to Northern Ohio Native PlantsPlanting and growing native plants in northern Ohio is accomplished best by purchasing from local resources. Several local resources which offer plant sales, workshops and seminars are listed here.
- Kalmia Latifolia, Mountain Laural Tree, Shrub and Vine Identification Fact Sheet
- Growing Kalmia Latifolia
- Tips for Growing a Mountain Laurel Bush
- Varieites of Mountain Laurel: Selection Guide for Your Garden
- Southern Shrub Favorites: 10 Picked to Thrive
- Planting and Growing the Catawba Rosebay
- Guide to Native Plants in Florida