Sheep Laurel
Kalmia angustifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © trscavo (iNaturalist #124310123)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Kalmia
- Species:
- Kalmia angustifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- KAAN
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, rose
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
- 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
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:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; surface sow on moist peat or sand.
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