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Humanities Assistant Professor Margaret Wiley
Sheep Laurel Kalmia angustifolia
Heath Ericaceae family
Leaves are opposite, or in whorls of 3. They are flat with smooth margins, and 1 1/2" - 2" long. Leaves are not shiny, and are paler beneath but not whitened like Pale Laurel. They are evergreen, and leaves often droop once the shrub has flowered.
You can see Pale Laurel on the right in this picture. Note how much shinier its leaves are, and how they are rolled under and pale beneath.
Flowers grow in clusters around the stem, rather than terminal. They are cup-shaped, pink, 3/8 - 1/3" wide. Blooms May - August.
Fruit is a 5-parted capsule that stays on the plant all winter.
Form/Habitat: Sheep Laurel is a shrub that grows to 1 - 3' high. It is often found near water.
NWI Status: FAC
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