Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia ‘Sarah’
As the state flower of Pennsylvania, Mountain Laurel is one of our most recognized and beautiful native shrubs. Each flower looks like it has been sewn by the delicate hands of fairies, while its gnarled and twisted trunks might well have lined the dark paths traversed by Hansel and Gretel. Mountain Laurel also near comes alive when in bloom, not just because of its blooms, but because it catapults its pollen like a spring-loaded trap when insects land for a sip of nectar. Mountain Laurel is fairy tale in and of itself! And while the name ‘Sarah’ doesn’t evoke visions of wood nymphs and witches, its deep green, glossy, twisting leaves and princess pink blooms sure do.
Conditions: Part shade; medium to moist, well-drained soil
Size: 4′ – 5′ tall, 4′ – 5′ spread
Zone: 4 – 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract bees and butterflies
