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Wicky Kalmia angustifolia var. carolina

Other plants called Wicky:

Previously known as:

  • Kalmia angustifolia subsp. carolina
  • Kalmia carolina
Phonetic Spelling
KAL-mee-ah an-gus-tih-FOH-lee-ah kair-oh-lin-ee-AN-uh
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Sheep Laurel is a small, compact, tufted, evergreen, perennial shrub in the heath family, native to the southeastern United States and typically found in moist pine lands, swamps, and occasionally rocky areas at a high elevation. This plant can also be found in North Carolina where it is common in the coastal plain, but rare in the mountains and the piedmont. Leaves are simple, opposite or in whorls of 3. Flowers are pinkish, blossom from spring into summer in short lateral clusters, and are each saucer-shaped with 5 shallow lobes, the 10 anthers at first stuck in small pockets;. Fruit is a capsule.

Sheep Laurel prefers moist to wet sandy soil in full sun, but tolerates partial shade. It is a relatively small shrub, reaching a mature height of 6 feet with a 3 foot spread. It spreads by sucker growths at the base and plants can be propagated by seed or by pulling old plants apart in spring. In the wild, it can appear in extensive colonies. The plant can be pruned, but keep in mind that next year's blossoms and fruit will appear on old growth.

Fire Risk: This plant has a high flammability rating and should not be planted within the defensible space of your home. Select plants with a low flammability rating for the sites nearest your home. 

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.

More information on Kalmia angustifolia.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#full sun tolerant#shrub#pink flowers#fire high flammability#NC native#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#Piedmont Mountains FAC#food source hard mast fruit#Audubon
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#full sun tolerant#shrub#pink flowers#fire high flammability#NC native#NC Native Pollinator Plant#food source nectar#food source pollen#Piedmont Mountains FAC#food source hard mast fruit#Audubon
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Kalmia
    Species:
    angustifolia
    Family:
    Ericaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Southeastern United States
    Distribution:
    Virginia south to Georgia and west to Tennessee
    Fire Risk Rating:
    high flammability
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Description:
    Fruits are available between September and October.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Produces 1/2 inch rose-pink to purplish crimson flowers in spring and early summer (April - May). Grows in short lateral clusters, each saucer-shaped with 5 shallow lobes, the 10 anthers at first stuck in small pockets.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Whorled
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Opposite to whorled simple leaves; blue-green color; 1-2.5 in. long.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Native Garden
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN! Salivation, watering of eyes and nose, slow pulse, nausea, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, headache, tingling of skin, lack of coordination, convulsions, and paralysis.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Andromedotoxin, a resinoid; arbutin, a glycoside
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems