How to identify Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)

How to identify Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)

Sheep laurel, also known as Lambkill kalmia

Sheep laurel is characterized by its evergreen shrub stature, with a typical height of up to 3 feet (90 cm) and a similar spread. Its leaves are narrow, lanceolate, and arranged in whorls, with a shiny, deep green hue above and a paler underside. In summer, vibrant pink or deep rose-coloured flowers blossom, presenting in dense clusters at the tips of the branches. Each blossom is notably bowl- or saucer-shaped, consisting of five fused petals that create a star-like pattern. The fruit is a capsule that releases numerous tiny seeds.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Sheep laurel

Lanceolate leaves with shiny deep green above and paler underside, whorled arrangement.

Saucer-shaped pink to deep rose-colored flowers in dense clusters at branch tips.

Dry dehiscent capsules with numerous tiny seeds, persisting on plant for years.

Oval blue-green leaves with pinnate veins, smooth texture, changing color in fall.

Smooth, erect stems up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall, minimal branching, non-hairy texture.

Detailed Traits of Sheep laurel

Leaf Features

The leaves of sheep laurel are oval-shaped and blue-green with paler undersides. They are typically 1.2 to 2.4 inches (3 to 6 cm) long and about 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1 to 2 cm) wide. In the fall, their color changes to reddish-green or purple. The leaf veins are pinnate, and the texture is smooth, making them a notable feature for identification.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite ,

Whorled

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of sheep laurel are 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide saucer to bell-shaped blooms, featuring a vibrant rose-pink to purplish crimson hue. Each flower comprises 5 delicately arranged petals and is complemented by 10 stamens. These charming clusters of flowers grace the plant from April to July, typically appearing encircling the stem just beneath the leaves. The clusters are borne on stalks, adding to the plant's distinctive floral display.

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Stem Features

The stems of sheep laurel are smooth, brown, and erect. They typically exhibit a straight growth pattern and may reach heights of up to 2 feet (60 cm). The stems are slender with a consistent thickness, lacking significant swelling or tapering at the nodes. Branching is minimal, and when present, stems branch in a simple, alternate manner. These stems have a sleek, non-hairy texture, with a light brown to medium brown hue, enhancing their striking appearance in their natural habitat.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of sheep laurel is a small, dry, dehiscent capsule measuring about 0.2-0.3 inches (5-8 mm) in diameter. It typically matures from September to October, taking on a brownish hue as it ages. This capsule contains numerous tiny seeds and is notable for persisting on the plant for several years post-maturity. The capsule's endurance on the plant through multiple seasons makes it a distinguishable feature for identification, particularly in its native regions.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Sheep laurel and Their Similar Plants

Mountain laurel vs. Sheep laurel: What's The Difference?

The mountain laurel is most known for its reproductive methods, in which it creates tension on its stamens and flings its pollen onto insects. It is possible for the mountain laurel to release pollen in a range of up to 15 cm.

Sand-Myrtle vs. Sheep laurel: What's The Difference?

Sand-Myrtle (Kalmia buxifolia) is an evergreen shrub that will grow to 91 cm tall. Glossy, dark green leaves turn to bronze in winter. Blooms clusters of tiny white or pink star-shaped flowers from late spring to early summer. Thrives in full shade or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Perfect in gardens or used as a border.

Bog laurel vs. Sheep laurel: What's The Difference?

Bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia) is native to northeastern North America. It is pollinated by bees, but when the bees have pollinated this plant, the honey they produce is poisonous. The plant is highly toxic to humans and animals. Caribou, however, can eat most plants, including this one.

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Key Facts About Sheep laurel

Attributes of Sheep laurel

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

15 cm to 90 cm

Spread

1.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

6 mm to 1.3 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Red

Purple

Burgundy

Fruit Color

Brown

Cream

Copper

Tan

The Toxicity of Sheep laurel

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

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Scientific Classification of Sheep laurel

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)

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Distribution Map of Sheep laurel

Sheep laurel is native to the northeastern region of North America and has been introduced to parts of Europe and Asia. It thrives in its natural habitat and has adapted well to similar climates where it has been cultivated. The spread of sheep laurel, beyond its indigenous range, includes select temperate zones where it finds favorable conditions for growth.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Sheep laurel

A Comprehensive Guide to Sheep laurel How to Grow and Care for Sheep laurel