Kalmia angustifolia
Sheep Laurel
General
This evergreen shrub can grow well in nutrient-poor soils and spreads vegetatively. It can grow in dry, sandy sites and wet, peaty sites. Most often found in areas that are have seasonal fluctuations in soil moisture (i.e. flooded in the spring and dry in the summer). It is known to be allelopathic towards some conifers, meaning that it chemically restricts their growth. This species is poisonous to livestock, and is sometimes called sheepkill, lambkill, or calfkill.
Plant Description
Small, evergreen, ericaceous shrub. Leaves are opposite or in whorls of three and narrowly oval (2-5 cm long and 5-20mm wide). Leaves are leathery and margins are entire (not toothed or lobed). Flowers are deep pink in axillary clusters. Fruits are dry, brown-grey capsules with very small seed.
Height (ft)
1-3
Spread (ft)
0-0
Soil moisture
Dry to Moist
Soil types
Coarse mineral soils and organic soils
Wetland indicator
FAC
Shade tolerance
Intolerant
Bloom color
Pink
Bloom period
Summer
Fall conspicuous
No
Self-Pollinating?
Yes but not very effective
Range
Primarily found in the Northeast United States and the northern Lower Peninsula and eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Rare in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, this species could be used for head colds, and the powdered leaves used as snuff for runny nose. An infusion of this plant is considered poisonous for many tribes. If taken in small doses, it has said to treat headaches, backaches, stomach problems. The fresh, pounded leaves could be used in a poultice for swelling and sprains.