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Description
Kalmia Angustifolia, commonly known as the mountain laurel or sheep laurel, is a flowering evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 feet tall. It is native to the eastern United States, growing in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. This plant is known for its beautiful and unique flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are usually pink or white with red markings and are arranged in clusters. The leaves of the mountain laurel are glossy and oval-shaped, and can be up to 3 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya||————-|—————-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Tracheophyta|| Class| Magnoliopsida|| Order| Ericales|| Family| Ericaceae|| Genus| Kalmia|| Species| Kalmia angustifolia |
Appearance
The mountain laurel has a unique and attractive appearance. Its flowers are the main attraction, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are pink or white with red markings, and they are arranged in clusters. The leaves of the mountain laurel are glossy and oval-shaped, and they can be up to 3 inches long. The bark of the mountain laurel is smooth and gray, and the plant has a dense and bushy growth habit.
Care Guide
Taking care of a mountain laurel is relatively easy, but it does require some attention. Here are some tips on how to care for your mountain laurel:- Water: The mountain laurel prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water your plant regularly, especially during dry periods. – Fertilization: Fertilize your mountain laurel once a year with a slow-release fertilizer. – Soil: The mountain laurel prefers acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.0. – Sunlight: The mountain laurel prefers partial shade to full sun. – Hardiness Zones: The mountain laurel is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The mountain laurel is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common:- Lace bugs: These pests can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. – Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth. They can be treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. – Phytophthora root rot: This disease can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. It can be prevented by planting in well-drained soil and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
The mountain laurel is native to the eastern United States, growing in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. It prefers acidic soil and partial shade to full sun. The mountain laurel is often found in woodland areas and along streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the mountain laurel poisonous? A: Yes, the mountain laurel is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. Q: Can the mountain laurel be grown in containers? A: Yes, the mountain laurel can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept moist and the plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures. Q: How often should I fertilize my mountain laurel? A: Fertilize your mountain laurel once a year with a slow-release fertilizer. Q: Can the mountain laurel tolerate drought? A: No, the mountain laurel prefers moist, well-drained soil and does not tolerate drought well.
Related Plants
– Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel)- Rhododendron (azalea)- Pieris japonica (Japanese pieris)- Leucothoe fontanesiana (drooping leucothoe)
References
– “Kalmia angustifolia.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=279653&isprofile=1&basic=Kalmia%20angustifolia.- “Kalmia angustifolia.” Plant Database. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Kalmia+angustifolia. – “Mountain Laurel.” The Spruce. Accessed August 3, 2021. https://www.thespruce.com/grow-and-care-for-mountain-laurel-shrubs-2132696.
