Kalmia angustifolia – Sheep Laurel, Dwarf-Laurel, Sheepkill

General Information: A pretty little shrub with slender, upright stems and narrow, evergreen leaves. Clusters of small, intricately formed crimson-pink flowers appear in June, but may sporadically appear later in the season. Spreads slowly to form a colony. An extremely versatile plant, Sheep Laurel can be found naturally in areas ranging from acidic swamps to dry heathlands. Our wild stands are found in the deep woods, among the forest understory with minimal competition. We have observed the plant growing naturally in a wide range of habitats, however. In one site, the Tupelo Swamp at Ferry Beach, Saco, Maine, the plants hug the roots of massive Tupelo trees (Nyssa sylvatica). Here they thrive with wet feet in the dense understory of a forested swamp. This plant has also been observed growing happily on the dry and sandy fire-managed balds of the Southwick Wildlife Management Area, a New England Prairie habitat in Southwick, Massachusetts. In this location, managed logging and seasonal burns have resulted in an open forest canopy and reduced competition with other species. The soil type in Maine, Southwick, and our test planting is acidic sand. Given the proper soil type, the plant is not only common but a prolific spreader! Our experimental test plantings have demonstrated that the plant will adapt to full sun if given at least one year’s worth of daily irrigation. Deep mulching, preferably with leaf mulch, is also recommended in full sun. Despite the plant’s gorgeous appearance, all parts are toxic and should be kept away from grazing animals, pets, and children.

Cultivation Details: This plant is very helpful in establishing and maintaining colonies of mycorrhizal fungi. Useful as a ground cover, in shade and forest gardens, for rewilding, or in meadow plantings. Competes most successfully with other plants where the soil is not too rich—a choice ornamental or specimen plant for filling in tough, shady areas. Consider pairing with Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Black Huckleberry (Gaylussacia baccata), Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium laevifolium), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens), Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) and Tree Clubmoss (Lycopodium obscurum).

Growing Requirements: Prefers dappled to full shade. Tolerates full sun if kept sufficiently moist. Prefers noncompetitive areas with barren soils. Tolerant of extreme soil conditions – wet or dry. Requires acidic soils. Does not tolerate alkaline soils.