Dwarf-laurel (Kalmia angustifolia, Sp. Pl.: 391 (1753))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 391 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Kalmia

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to E. U.S.A.

Description

Dwarf-laurel, scientifically known as Kalmia angustifolia, is a captivating plant species belonging to the family Ericaceae. This small, evergreen shrub is renowned for its vibrant and prolific flowering display, making it a favored selection among garden enthusiasts and landscapers.

Native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States, Dwarf-laurel thrives in a variety of habitats, ranging from wet bogs to dry, sandy soils. It often adorns the forest understory, providing a splash of color with its bright, rose-pink to lavender flowers that typically bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers arrange themselves in clusters, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of lush green leaves.

The leaves of Kalmia angustifolia are notable for their narrow and elongated shape, contributing to the species name “angustifolia,” derived from Latin words meaning “narrow-leaved.” These glossy, evergreen leaves maintain their color throughout the year, adding to the plant’s ornamental value.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Dwarf-laurel holds practical significance as well. It serves as ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion, and it provides a habitat for various wildlife species. However, it’s important to note that all parts of the plant contain grayanotoxins, making them toxic if ingested by humans or animals.

Kalmia angustifolia was first described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” published in 1753. This contribution by Linnaeus has had a lasting impact on botanical nomenclature and classification, helping to advance the understanding of various plant species, including the Dwarf-laurel.

In conclusion, Dwarf-laurel is a resilient, visually striking plant that contributes to biodiversity in its native regions. Whether used in landscaping for its beauty or in natural settings for its ecological benefits, Kalmia angustifolia is a plant worth appreciating for its numerous attributes.

Common Names

Eng: dwarf-laurel, lambkill, pig-laurel, sheep laurel, sheep-laurel, sheepkill, wicky, dwarf laurel, narrow-leaved laurel, pig laurel
Deu: schmalblatt-lorbeerrose, schmalblättrige lorbeerrose
Swe: smalbladig kalmia
Nld: smalle lepelboom
Fra: kalmia à feuilles étroites, crevard de moutons, faux-thé, laurier
Nob: roselyng
Nno: roselyng
Cym: calmia culddail
En: Dwarf-laurel, Pig-laurel, Sheep-laurel, Sheepkill, Wicky, Lambkill, Narrow-leaved Kalmia, Sheep Laurel, Sheep poison, Dwarf laurel, Narrow-leaved laurel, Pig laurel
Ar: كلمية رفيعة الأوراق
Bg: Теснолистна калмия
Nl: Smalle lepelboom
Fi: Kapealehtikalmia
Fr: Bois-chaud, Crevard de moutons, Herbe à commis, Herbe forte, Kalmia, Kalmia à feuilles étoilées, Kalmia à feuilles étroites, Laurier, Pétrole, Poison de brebis, Sacacoumi, Tuemoutons, Faux-thé
De: Schmalblättrige Lorbeerrose, Schmalblatt-Lorbeerrose
Nb: Roselyng
Nn: Roselyng
Ru: Кальмия узколистная
Sv: Smalbladig kalmia
Cy: Calmia culddail
: Sheep laurel

Synonyms

• Chamaedaphne angustifolia ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Octavian Ion (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 13, 2022 by Patricia Choquette (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by alltoomuch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2015 by EOL − John Russell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Jennifer Soukup (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Kelli Strong (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 13, 2020 by Bruce Clark (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2020 by Claudia lavigne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2021 by Pascal Guerin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 20, 2020 by Christopher Margeson (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 1, 2015 by EOL − cdavis5 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 24, 2013 by EOL − Susan Elliott (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Arielle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2016 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by EOL − Clayton D’Orsay (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by js berg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Arielle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2020 by Alexis Gonthier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Vicki Brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 11, 2021 by Benoit Michaud (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Lucie LeDu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 14, 2019 by Joanna Lumbsden (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Parise Julie (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 13, 2019 by Carole England (cc-by-sa)

© 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/2883007)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:133210-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Kalmia angustifolia L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth