Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia
Picture taken May 30, 2001
Other names for this attractive shrub are "Ivy" and "Calico-bush". It flowers in May and June. The flowers have a unique pollen dispersal mechanism. The stamens are bent downward and are held in tension by the petals, somewhat like a mousetrap. When a pollinator, such as a bee, lands on and disturbs the flower, the spring-like stamens are released and dust the pollinator with pollen. You can trigger this mechanism by touching the stamens.
Mountain Laurel is common in our mountains and when in full bloom is a spectacular sight. Its leaves are poisonous to humans and livestock, but deer can consume them with no harm.
Ericaceae (Heath) Family
