Calico Bush Kalmia latifolia

Mountain laurel is a broadleaf, evergreen shrub or small tree in the Ericaceae (blueberry) family that is native to eastern North America, where it is found in a variety of habitats, including open rocky or sandy woods, cool meadows, balds, mountain slopes, acidic forests, and woodland margins. It can grow slowly to 6 to 10 feet tall as a dense, rounded shrub, opening up and developing gnarly branches with age. Rarely it will grow to 32 feet tall as a small tree, particularly on slopes in the Appalachian Mountains. Linnaeus named the genus after Swedish botanist Peter Kalm (1716-1779), who explored plant life in parts of eastern North America from 1747 to 1751. 

Mountain laurel tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, but grows best in partial shade (morning sun with early to mid-afternoon shade) and in cool, moist, acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soils. Mulch to retain moisture and keep root zones cool. The plant does not grow well in heavy clay soils or wet soils. In heavy soils, raised plantings should be considered to promote better drainage. Remove spent flower clusters immediately after bloom and prune branches back lightly after bloom to promote bushy growth. When pruning, keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on old growth.

It is the state flower of Connecticut. It blooms in late spring to early summer, and its buds and fruits are showy. Attractive foliage makes this a good choice for year-round interest. Flowers have touch-sensitive anthers contained in pockets in the corolla, which triggers the release of pollen when pollinators like bees visit. There are many cultivars available, including some that are heat tolerant and even some that are dwarf varieties. Plant mountain laurel in a meadow, naturalized, or woodland area, and use it as an accent or flowering shrub in a native, children’s, butterfly, or pollinator garden.

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. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Evergreen shrub with sympodial growth and elliptic leaves
• Fruit, buds, or inflorescence is visible year round
• Terminal clusters of bell-shaped flowers are present in the late spring
• Flowers have inner purple markings and 10 anther pockets
• Old trunks and limbs are gnarly, cracked, and crooked

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Mountain laurel is susceptible to borers, scale, white fly, and lace bugs. It is also susceptible to leaf spots and blights. While the nectar poses no problems for bees, if honey bees feed heavily on these plants, they are known to produce "mad honey" that can be toxic for human consumption.