kids encyclopedia robot

Hairy mountain-laurel facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Hairy mountain-laurel
Southern wild flowers and trees (Page 388, Plate CXXVI) BHL23630588.jpg
Scientific classification
Genus:
Kalmia
Species:
hirsuta
Synonyms
  • Chamaedaphne hirsuta (Walter) Kuntze
  • Kalmia ciliata W. Bartram
  • Kalmiella hirsuta (Walter) Small

Kalmia hirsuta, the hairy mountain-laurel, is a plant species native to the southeastern United States. It is reported from Florida, Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. It grows in open, sandy locations such as savannahs, sand hills and pine barrens at elevations of less than 100 m (330 feet).

The epithet "hirsuta" means "covered with coarse stiff hairs," appropriate as the hairiness of the leaves is one major character in distinguishing this species from its relatives. Kalmia hirsuta is a shrub up to 1.2 m (4 feet) tall. Leaves are elliptic to ovate, up to 14 mm (0.6 inches) long. Inflorescences form in the axils of the leaves, with 1-5 flowers. Flowers are pink with red spots.

kids search engine
Hairy mountain-laurel Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.