Shrubs of Treehaven - Pale or Bog Laurel

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:

back to the Shrubs of Treehaven

Last updated on September 30, 2001.

Please send any suggestions or corrections to H. Knodle

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: