Bog Laurel
Kalmia polifolia
- Native to:
- Canada, Labrador, Prince Edward I., United States
Joshua Mayer (www.flickr.com) from Madison, WI, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Kalmia
- Species:
- Kalmia polifolia
- USDA Symbol:
- KAPO
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, rose
- 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
Apharetra dentata, arcadia sallow moth (Xylotype arcadia), lanceolate dagger moth (Acronicta lanceolaria), Idas blue (Lycaeides idas)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.0 - 5.5 (strongly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in bogs and wetlands
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 peat-based medium.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Not given
Establishment: The provided protocol lacks specific information on propagation source, pre-treatment, establishment protocol, temperature, germination rate, and germination time range for Andromeda polifolia.
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