Organic Forest Plants & More

Mountain Laurel (Rhododendrun)

Trees and Shrubs

Zones

: 4 - 9

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Tree / Shrub

Mature Size: Height: 6 ft. Height at 20 years: 5 ft. Spread: 12 - 20 ft.

Flowers: May - July

Fruit: May - June

Common alternate names for mountain laurel: calico bush, bump-tater, spoonwood.

Scientific name for mountain laurel: Kalmia latifolia L.

Planting Information:

Prefers full sun, but can adapt to moderate shade.

Grows well in a variety of soils: sandy, rocky, acidic, moist, well-drained, loamy, and floodplain. Mountain-laurel foliage litterfall contributes nutrients back to forest soil.

Mountain laurel is drough resistant.

Colors: Leaves: evergeen, dark green, leathery. Flowers: white to pink / purple, fragrant. Fruit: brown, capsule.

Edible - food uses of mountain laurel:

DO NOT EAT THIS PLANT OR FEED IT TO ANY ANIMAL - IT IS LETHALLY POISONOUS.

Healing medicinal qualities of mountain laurel:

Cherokee indians used mountain laurel leaves (prepared in different manners) as an analgesic, panacea, dermatological aid, orthopedic aid, disinfectant, and even an antirheumatic (used externally).

The Mahuna and Cree tribes both considered mountain laurel to be poisonous, and the Mahuna used it solely as a body deodorizer.

Other uses for mountain laurel:

Ornamental: The flowers of this plant provide an unmatchable display in the springtime months. The flowers also give off a pleasant fragrance.

Crafts: Cherokee indians carved the wood into decorations.

Wildlife:

Mountain laurel is a food source for songbirds and small mammals. The foliage is poisonous to hoofed browsers.

General description and characteristics of mountain laurel:

Mountain laurel is a moderate-sized, branched shrub with evergreen leaves. 

Mountain laurel is considered to be "threatened" in the state of Florida, "special concern" in the state of Maine, and "exploitably vulnerable" in the state of New York.

Mountain laurel is the state flower of both Pennsylvania and Conneticut.