Bog-laurel (Kalmia microphylla, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 25: 581 (1898))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: (Hook.) A.Heller

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 25: 581 (1898)

Year: 1898

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kalmia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Alaska to Canada and W. U.S.A.

Description

Bog-laurel, scientifically known as Kalmia microphylla, is a captivating evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. This plant species was officially documented in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1898, courtesy of botanical contributions by (Hook.) A.Heller.

Bog-laurel is widely distributed across North America, with a habitat range extending from Alaska through Canada and into the western regions of the United States. The plant thrives in wetland environments, often found gracing bogs and moist meadows with its presence.

Characterized by its small, leathery leaves and delicate, bell-shaped pink flowers, Bog-laurel brings a touch of subtle beauty to the rugged landscapes it inhabits. These flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, presenting a charming contrast against the plant’s deep green foliage.

Aside from its aesthetic appeal, Kalmia microphylla plays a significant ecological role within its native habitats. It supports local biodiversity by providing nectar for pollinators and contributing to the overall health of wetland ecosystems.

Bog-laurel’s hardiness and unique adaptation to wet conditions make it an intriguing subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Whether observed in the wild or cultivated in botanical gardens, it stands as a testament to the diverse and resilient flora of North America.

Common Names

Eng: alpine bog laurel, alpine laurel, bog-laurel, western bog laurel
Fra: kalmia à petites feuilles
En: Bog-laurel, Alpine laurel, Alpine-Laurel, Alpine bog laurel, Western bog laurel
Ar: كلمية صغيرة الأوراق
Fr: Kalmia à petites feuilles
Ru: Кальмия мелколистная

Synonyms

• Kalmia polifolia var. microphylla ((Hook.) Rehder)
• Kalmia polifolia subsp. microphylla ((Hook.) Piper & Roy L.Taylor)
• Kalmia glauca var. microphylla (Hook.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 17, 2019 by that’s someguy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2019 by John John Hardham (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 22, 2020 by Chase Witmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2014 by EOL − ecologyelise (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Nov 18, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 31, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Jeff Lesh (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2015 by EOL − Russ Dunn (cc-by)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882998)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:133234-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kalmia microphylla (Hook.) A. Heller)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.3

Ph minimum: 6.0