Description
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a medium to large evergreen shrub (sometimes considered a small tree) that grows naturally on rocky slopes and mountainous forest areas. It prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun to full shade. It is widely considered one of the most attractive native shrubs due to the large, showy flower clusters that appear in the spring. The flowers are light pink to white and distinctly hexagonal, attracting butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Since Mountain Laurel is evergreen, it is a valuable source of cover for birds and small mammals during the winter months. It is a host plant to the Laurel Sphinx Moth (shown above).
