Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
Nichole Ouellette
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Kalmia
- Species:
- Kalmia angustifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- KAAN
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, rose, lavender
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Acrobasis amplexella, Azalea sphinx (Darapsa choerilus), Brown angle shades (Phlogophora periculosa), Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Coptodisca kalmiella, Eupithecia russeliata, gray-banded leafroller (Argyrotaenia mariana), Gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), kalmia leaftier moth (Pseudexentera kalmiana), lilac sphinx (Sphinx kalmiae), mottled gray carpet moth (Cladara limitaria), Olethreutes melanomesa, Parornix kalmiella, probole moth (Probole nepiasaria), Pseudexentera cressoniana, Red-fronted Emerald (Nemoria rubrifrontaria), Slender clearwing (Hemaris gracilis), Syngrapha epigaea, white slant-line (Tetracis cachexiata), yellow-headed fireworm (Acleris minuta), Brown Elfin (Incisalia augustinus)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Epeolus inornatus, Two-spotted bumble (Bombus bimaculatus) Moths:Coptodisca kalmiella, Parornix kalmiella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire. Often increases in abundance after burns in its native habitats.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.0 (acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Common in bogs and peaty areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Surface sow on moist, acidic medium.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires light or the seed is very fine. Surface sow and expose to light. * protect from damping off