Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)

Sheep laurel

Also known as: Lambkill kalmia

Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is an evergreen shrub that grows to 91 cm tall. It is a poisonous plant with no edible qualities and can be found growing in bogs, swamps and other wetlands. It blooms late spring and early summer with clusters of deep pink flowers, shaped like saucers.

Scientific classification

Species

Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia)

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

6 mm to 1.3 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Cream, Copper, Tan

Fruit Color

Pink, Red, Purple, Burgundy

Flower Color

Green, Brown

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Sheep laurel

Distribution of Sheep laurel

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Acidic bogs, swamps

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Sheep laurel is a bushy shrub is often used to create borders or as a landscaping plant. It also works well in rock and cottage gardens, and in woodland areas to provide summer color. The plant produces clusters of small flowers throughout the warmer months. The evergreen shrub also provides year-long greenery when other plants have died back.

Symbolism

Ambition, Success, Renown

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Toxicity

Sheep laurel is highly toxic to pets, notably cats and dogs. Ingestion of any part (leaves, stems, flowers, seeds) can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and severe heart issues, potentially leading to death. Prompt veterinary care is critical if poisoning is suspected.

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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.

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Care Guide for Sheep laurel

Every 2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

5 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Sheep laurel prefers moist, acidic soils, adapting to dry periods. It thrives with consistent moisture and moderate drought tolerance, benefiting from biweekly watering. Typically grown outdoors, sheep laurel flourishes in cool, humid climates, influencing its flowering potential and growth vigor.

Fertilize: For sheep laurel, use a balanced fertilizer to encourage growth and blooms. Apply a slow-release formula annually in spring, with caution to avoid over-fertilization. Supplement with diluted liquid feed monthly during the growing season, and avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent frost damage.

Pruning: Sheep laurel is a hardy evergreen shrub with pinkish-purple flowers. Prune in late spring post-flowering, removing dead branches to encourage growth and manage size. Use sterilized tools for disease prevention. Pruning enhances air circulation, rejuvenates the plant, and may improve flowering in the following seasons.

Propagation: Sheep laurel is an evergreen shrub with vibrant flowers. Propagation via semi-hardwood cuttings (10-15 cm) is best in late summer. Use healthy cuttings, apply rooting hormone, and plant in well-draining medium. Keep moist and in indirect light for root development, ready for transplanting in weeks.

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