The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: mountain-laurel

Family: Ericaceae (heath family)

Distribution: e. United States

Habitat: Rocky or sandy hardwood forests on mountain slopes, stream bluffs, ravines, or in pure, dense thickets; 0-1900 m

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Hardiness: USDA Zone 4

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: An evergreen shrub native to Ohio as an understory plant. Also prolific in many bogs. Reaches 4-8' high, but usually grows less than 1' per 3 years. Foliage is lustrous deep green. Flowers vary in color ranging from white to pink and red, with purple markings in the center. Very interesting pollination technique with stamens spring-loaded in pockets in the petals upon opening.