Common Name: |
Mountain Laurel |
Other Names: |
Calico bush, ivybush |
Botanical Name: |
Kalmia latifolia |
Genus: |
Kalmia |
Family: |
Ericaceae |
Native Location: |
Eastern N America |
Cultivation: |
Acid soil in sun or partial shade. Remove dead flower heads. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring at 6-12°C (43-54°F) (Species only); by greenwood cuttings in late spring, or semiripe cuttings in summer. |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked when plants are flowering and used fresh for infusions, tinctures, and ointments, or dried for powder. |
Height: |
3m (10ft) |
Width: |
3m (10ft) |
Variations: |
Clementine Churchill Has deep pink buds and flowers.
Elf Is dwarf, with tiny leaves, 3cm (1¼in) long, pale pink buds, and white flowers. Height: 1m (3ft) Width: 1m (3ft)
f. myrtifolia Is compact, with small leaves and pale pink flowers. Height: 1.2m (4ft) Width: 1.2m (4ft).
Ostbo Red Has red buds and pale pink flowers; the first red-budded kalmia in cultivation, originating in the USA during the 1940s. |
Hardiness: |
Z4-7 |
Parts Used: |
Leaves |
Properties: |
An astringent, slightly bitter herb that acts as a cardiac sedative. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for syphillis, inflammatory fevers, diarrhea, bowel hemorrhage, neuralgia, paralytic conditions, tinnitus, and angina. Externally for herpes, scalp conditions, and skin irritations. For use by qualified practitioners only; seldom used today. |
Warning: |
All parts, including nectar, are harmful if eaten. |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2005. Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 249. |