Mountain-laurel, Spoonwood, Calico bush, Lambkill
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Variable mature size, 7-15' tall and wide in the landscape, but can grow 30-36' in optimal conditions. Symmetrical and dense in youth, becoming open and loose. Slow growth rate, 4-8' over 10 years. Long-lived if sited properly.

Native Range

Native to North Carolina, Appalachian Mountains.

Flower and Fruit Details

Flowers 0.75-1" across, bell-shaped variable white to pink-rose to deep rose, purple markings within. Each flower has 10 stamens. Flowers are held in 4-6" diameter terminal corymbs. Fruits are brown, 5-valved, dehiscent capsule, 0.25" across, persistent through winter.

Leaf and Bark Features

Evergreen: Simple leaves dark green, to yellowish green if in sun. Arranged alternately, sometimes opposite or whorled. 2-5" long, 0.75-1.5" wide. Gray brown bark, striated to lightly ridged and furrowed.

Culture and Care

Requires acidic, cool, moist well-drained soil, use pine bark mulch to keep the soil moist. Flowers best in full sun, but will tolerate deep shade. Remove faded flowers. Easy to transplant, fairly easy to root. Zones 4-9. Susceptible to leaf spot, blight, flower blight, whitefly, scale, lacebug, azalea stem borer, and rhododendron borer.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Gnarly and crooked branches are used for rustic mountain furniture. Poisonous if ingested.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA