Mountain Laurel

Common name: Mountain Laurel

Scientific name: Kalmia latifolia

Dimensions:
  Flower: ¾-1" (2-2.5 cm) wide
  Plant height: 3-15' (1-5 m)

Blooming period: May-July

Habitat: Woods, sandy or rocky acid soils

Description: Pinkish white flowers in showy terminal clusters growing from axils of upper crowded leaves; 5 united lobes form corolla, each lobe with 2 "pockets"; 1 stamen per pocket. Evergreen leaves 2-4" (5-10 cm) long, all or mostly alternate, leathery, shiny, elliptical or broadly lance-shaped (ovate-lanceolate), usually pointed at both ends. As flowers mature, stamens may pop out of the corolla pockets or be dislodged by insects. Frequently used in ornamental plantings. Heath family. (July 6)