Quick answer: Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is native to 13 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Famartin, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Wet/organic to dry/sterile |
| Soil | Acidic |
| Bloom | Jun-Jul |
| Height | 3-5 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Northern Blue, Columbia silkmoth |
All parts highly toxic; poisonous to sheep/cattle (hence "lambkill"); symptoms: salivation, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, paralysis; contains andromedotoxin and arbutin
none noted; colonial habit can form sizable stands
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Sheep laurel
Where is Sheep laurel native?
Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is native to 13 states across the Northeast and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Sheep laurel bloom?
Sheep laurel blooms Jun-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Sheep laurel need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Wet/organic to dry/sterile. Soil: Acidic. Mature height: 3-5 ft.
Is Sheep laurel good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds/butterflies, larval host for Northern Blue, Columbia silkmoth.
Is Sheep laurel deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Sheep laurel is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant, tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Sheep laurel toxic?
All parts highly toxic; poisonous to sheep/cattle (hence "lambkill"); symptoms: salivation, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, paralysis; contains andromedotoxin and arbutin.
Where can I buy Sheep laurel?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Kalmia angustifolia by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Sheep laurel.
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
Also listed under
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