Whether you call it Laurel or Yanny, it’s now in full bloom and it’s lovely!
The Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is a somewhat twisted, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub. A perennial, it is native to the Eastern United States where it is found in a variety of natural settings, ie: deep woods, open sandy meadows and hillsides and even mountain tops. It is dense and round and can grow to 15 to 20 feet tall at maturity. It is a member of the Heather Family (Ericaceae).
Recorded observations over the last 30 years in White and Lumpkin Counties show that the average blooming season is May 5th through May 31st, some 26 days. The average peak-bloom date is May 18th.
Flowers appear in showy terminal clusters some 6 to 8 inches across. Each flower is shaped like a 5-sided cup and a range of colors from white to deep pink. The interior has some deep-purple markings.
The leaves are elliptical in shape, leathery in texture with a glossy dark green top surface and a yellow-green underside. Usually they reach a length of 4 to 5 inches at maturity. They are arranged alternately along the stems.
This plant has no known medical use since all parts are exceptionally toxic. The Cherokees often used it to make spoons. The strong yet flexible stems lend themselves well to crafts such as wreathes and chairs and other decorative items.
The plant was named by the great Swedish taxonomist Carl Linnaeus in the Nineteenth Century. The genus name “Kalmia” was Linnaeus’ special tribute to his friend and Swedish botanist Peter Kalm. It was Kalm who discovered the Laurel during one of his North American expeditions and sent samples to Linnaeus.
In our area, this shrub is ubiquitous. Numerous beautiful examples are found in the Chattahoochee National Forest around the Raven Cliffs Wilderness and Richard Russell Scenic Highway (GA 348). A very informative hike will take one around very beautiful examples on the Laurel Ridge Trail at Smithgall Woods State Park.
Featured photo courtesy of Arx Fortis on Wikipedia
