Quick answer: Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is native to 23 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.
Photo: Arx Fortis at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
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 | 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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Mountain laurel
Where is Mountain laurel native?
Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is native to 23 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Mountain laurel bloom?
Mountain laurel blooms Jun-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Mountain laurel need?
Light: Part Shade. Water: Low water, Moist. Soil: Cool, moist rocky or sandy soils. Mature height: 12-20 ft, up to 35 ft.
Is Mountain laurel good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds, larval host for laurel sphinx moth, all parts toxic.
Is Mountain laurel deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Mountain laurel is deer-resistant, drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Mountain laurel 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.
Where can I buy real Mountain laurel seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Be aware that some sellers offer bred varieties under this name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Mountain laurel.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Flowering dogwood Cornus florida
- Sassafras Sassafras albidum
- Eastern red columbine Aquilegia canadensis
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.