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Pale or Bog Laurel Kalmia polifolia

   

Foliage Type: leaf Arrangement: simple, opposite

Distinguishing features:

  • evergreen shrub 6 inches to 2 feet high
  • leaves - opposite or in 3's, smooth, lustrous above, strongly whitened beneath
  • leaves - very narrowly elliptic, narrowed at base, blunt or short-pointed at tip
  • leaves - 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches long, margin rolled
  • flowers - white or pinkish in clusters on previous years growth, bloom - May or June
  • fruits - 1/8 inch in diameter

Habitats:

  • bogs

Often confused with:

  • Bog Rosemary

Ecological Value:

Did You Know?

  •  All parts of the plant are poisonous (contains Andromedatoxins).
  • Toxins can cause anorexia, nervousness, and depression.
  • Fungus grow around roots that allow it to survive in the harsh bog environment.

Uses / Ethnobotanical uses:

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 Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001. This page was created by H. Knodle, M. Luthin, D. Jakes, P. Vandersteen & R. Lundquist.

Last updated on September 30, 2001.

 Please send any suggestions or corrections to H. Knodle