Quick answer: Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register 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 | Low water, Moist |
| Soil | Cool, moist rocky or sandy soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Jun-Jul |
| Height | 12-20 ft, up to 35 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds, larval host for laurel sphinx moth, all parts toxic |
All parts highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten. Symptoms: salivation, watering eyes/nose, slow pulse, nausea, vomiting, sweating, abdominal pain, headache, tingling skin, lack of coordination, convulsions, paralysis. Toxic principle: andromedotoxin and arbutin
Lookalike alert
Species, cultivar SKU in most states; CT and PA state flower — but explicitly NOT the state flower in MA, RI, NH, NJ despite list membership there; NOT on Maine, Vermont, Georgia, Ohio, or Tennessee's lists.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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