When is the Mountain laurel at peak bloom in Pennsylvania?
(WHTM) – The Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) has been the Pennsylvania state flower since 1993.
Mountain laurel is native to the eastern United States and is an evergreen shrub. It is also the state flower of Connecticut.
Mountain laurel will usually reach their peak blooms sometime in June or July, so be on the lookout for the beautiful pink and white flowers.
The mountain laurel also goes by several other names, including ivybush, calico bush, sheep laurel, lambkill, clamoun, and spoonwood. The latter name comes from its use by native Americans to make spoons from the plant’s wood, according to State Symbols USA. It was first documented in America in 1624.
Mountain laurel is characterized by star-shaped white and pink flowers. The shape is unique because when a pollinator lands on the flower the insect’s weight causes the stamen to release which then flings the pollen.
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It is an extremely shade-tolerant plant, which makes it great for years that receive little sunlight. The member of the Ericaceae family grows in USDA Zones 5 to 9.
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