Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)

Bibliography

Taxonomy:  Species= latifolia                         

                            Genus= Kalmia

                            Family= Heath (Ericaceae)

                             Order= Ericales

                          http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu

Common Names:  "Calico-bush"

                                           "Ivy bush"

Habitat Preference: Dry or moist acidic soils, usually in the understory of mixed forests. Also found on upland mountain slopes an valleys.

Geographical Distribution: The Mountain laurel covers an area from southeast Maine to Northern Florida,  west to Louisiana, and north to Indiana. Often found up to 400 feet in elevation in the southern Appalachians.

Identifying Characteristics: The shrub, or small tree, stands 12-20 feet tall. It's bell shaped flowers can be seen in a range of white to pink.  The leaves are light to dark green, and throughout some parts of the year they can be a dark purple. The leaves are oval shaped and are glossy in texture.

Biogeographic Facts: The flower stamens have a "spring" or "trip wire" that spreads pollen when touched by a bee.

Miscellaneous Facts: The leaves of the Mountain laurel are poisonous to livestock, and the honey from the flowers is poisonous as well.

County Distribution of KALA in Virginia Kalmia latifolia L. mountain laurel Source: http://plants.usda.gov