Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Ericaceae

Genus:

Kalmia

Species:

Kalmia cuneata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

4-6 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

may

Bloom Colors:

White

Evergreen Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: North Carolina, South Carolina

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Bee Keystone:

★★★★★ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to sandy pine savannas and pocosins

Germination Information