Alpine Laurel, Western Laurel


Scientific Name: Kalmia microphylla (Hook.) Heller
Synonym: Kalmia polifolia ssp. occidentalis , Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla
Family: Ericaceae
Alpine Laurel, Western Laurel(Kalmia microphylla)
William & Wilma Follette. USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region, Sacramento, CA. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute.
Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 1-7,16-17
USDA: 4-8

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Western part of the North America, from Alaska to California

Growth Habits: Small evergreen shrub 6 to 24 inches tall (15-60 cm); leaves shiny above, light green below, 2 to 5 inches long (5-12 cm)

Watering Needs: Keep the soil moist, water often, likes moist air

Propagation: Seeds in the fall, cuttings in summer, layering

Alpine Laurel, Western Laurel(Kalmia microphylla)
Alpine Laurel (Kalmia microphylla), U.S.D.A. Forest Service Collection, Courtesy of the Hunt Institute

The genus Kalmia was named after Peter Kalm, a Swedish botanist, student of Carolus Linnaeus. Kalmias are poisonous.
 
The larger plants are sold as Kalmia microphylla ssp. occidentalis, subspecies of doubtful botanical standing.

Blooming Habits:
Clusters of small pink flowers, 0.3 to o.5 inches in diameter (0.7 to 1.2 cm), in April to July.

Culture:
Kalmias are poisonous.


 

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