Mountain laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Also called Calico bush, Kalmia and Spoonwood
Garden plant · ShrubsThe flowers are cups with ten little pockets, and each pocket holds a stamen sprung like a mousetrap that flicks pollen at the bee. Every part is poisonous, honey from it included; keep it away from a grazing animal.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 5 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Part shade, in acid soil
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a very cold winter RHS H6, to -20°C
- Size
- 3 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Eastern North America
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-21.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.