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Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Honeybees visit mountain laurel primarily for pollen, which is explosively released onto them when they trigger the anthers while seeking nectar; peak bloom occurs in late spring. Though nectar is minimal and safe for bees, heavy foraging can produce honey toxic to humans. It thrives in acidic soils and is somewhat deer-resistant due to toxicity.

Nectarlow
Pollenmedium
BloomMay–June
Zones4-9
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
NativeEastern North America
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