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// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a shrub in the Ericaceae family. Native to 25 U.S. states (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center distribution data). Hardy in zones 4a–9a. Mature size 14'–35'. Blooms Jun–Jul.

// QUICK FACTS
Family
Ericaceae
Group
shrub
Native range
Native to 25 U.S. states, including AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA…
USDA hardiness
Zones 4a–9a
Mature size
14'–35'
Sun
Part shade
Water
Low · xeric
Bloom
Jun–Jul
Wildlife value
Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role
evergreen flowering shrub · showy white-pink blooms · toxic foliage
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Kalmia latifolia — Mountain Laurel. Photo by Arx Fortis at English Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a shrub in the Ericaceae family. Native to 25 U.S. states (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center distribution data). Hardy in zones 4a–9a. Mature size 14'–35'. Blooms Jun–Jul. Low water use makes it a strong candidate for xeric and drought-conscious plantings.

Why it's on this list: evergreen flowering shrub · showy white-pink blooms · toxic foliage. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, mountain laurel pairs naturally with: American Plum (Prunus americana), American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), False Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa).

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