Sheep Laurel

Kalmia angustifolia

Physical Characteristics

Kalmia angustifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Hudson Bay, south to Georgia and Michigan. Nat in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Astringent Narcotic Poultice Sedative Sheep laurel is a very poisonous narcotic plant the leaves of which were at one time used by some native North American Indian tribes in order to commit suicide. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. The leaves are usually used externally as a poultice and wash in herbal medicine and are a good remedy for many skin diseases, sprains and inflammation. They can also be applied as a poultice to the head to treat headaches. The singed, crushed leaves can be used as a snuff in the treatment of colds. Used internally, the leaves are analgesic, astringent and sedative and have a splendid effect in the treatment of active haemorrhages, headaches, diarrhoea and flux. This species is said to be the best for medicinal use in the genus. The plant should be used with great caution however, see the notes above on toxicity.

Known Hazards

The foliage is poisonous to animals[21, 65, 76]. The whole plant is highly toxic[222].