Mountain laurel is an evergreen plant that grows naturally in eastern North America. As a shrub, it stands 5 to 10 feet (1.5 to 3 meters) tall. As a tree, it reaches 30 feet (9 meters) high or more. The mountain laurel has pink or white flowers, which may have purple markings. Its glossy, dark leaves are oblong and pointed at the ends. Its leaves and nectar are poisonous. The plant is also called kalmia. Mountain laurels are often used in landscaping, and the plant has been introduced into western North America and the United Kingdom. Mountain laurel is the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
