Mountain laurel

Kalmia latifolia L.

Family: EricaceaeZones: 4 to 9 per NC State

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

bark, flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, stems

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

poisonous if eaten, NC State warns that honey made when honey bees feed heavily on these plants may be toxic to people.

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

NC State Extension lists mountain laurel as a problem for cats, dogs and horses. It says the leaves, flowers, fruits, bark and roots contain toxins that affect muscle, heart and nerves.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Kalmia latifolia, not on the common name.. Laurel is a name shared by unrelated plants. Mountain laurel is itself the poisonous one here, so do not treat it like a culinary laurel or bay. Check the scientific name Kalmia latifolia.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4 to 9 per NC State
Light: Part shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: height: 4 to 15 ft (1.2 to 4.6 m); width: 4 to 8 ft (1.2 to 2.4 m); scope: species; NC State says it typically grows slowly to 6 to 10 ft, and dwarf varieties stay 2 to 4 ft
Where it comes from: Eastern North America, from New England south to southern Indiana, Louisiana and the Florida panhandle.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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