Kalmia latifolia Mountain laurel (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Kalmia latifolia
Mountain laurel
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Kalmia latifolia plant species is found in Eastern N. America - New England to New York south to W. Florida. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Mountain laurel. Some home gardeners know the variety as K. lucida.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Kalmia latifolia
Common Name:  Mountain laurel
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The foliage is poisonous to animals[21, 65, 76]. The whole plant is highly toxic[222]. Cases of poisoning have occurred when livestock or game birds have been eaten after they have ingested this plant[238].

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Rich rocky, or dry gravelly woods in the shade of deciduous trees, and swamps in acid soils[43]. Prefers sandy or rocky soils[235].

General Uses: A yellow-tan dye is obtained from the leaves[106]. The plant can be grown as an informal hedge[200]. Wood - heavy, hard, strong but rather brittle. It weighs 44lb per cubic foot and is used for making small implements, tool handles etc[21, 46, 61, 82, 235]. The roots are used to make spoons etc, these are fashioned when the wood is green and soft, when dry they become very hard and smooth[207]. The wood is a good fuel[46, 61].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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