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

The Kalmia hirsuta, also known as the hairy mountain-laurel, is a beautiful shrub. It is a plant species that grows naturally in the southeastern parts of the United States. This special plant is found in sandy areas.

Meet the Hairy Mountain-Laurel

The name "hirsuta" means "covered with coarse, stiff hairs." This is a great way to describe this plant! The hairiness of its leaves is a main feature. It helps us tell this species apart from its relatives.

Where Does This Shrub Grow?

This plant is native to the southeastern United States. You can find it in states like Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. It loves open, sandy locations. These include places called savannas, sand hills, and pine barrens. It usually grows in areas less than 100 meters (about 330 feet) above sea level.

What Does It Look Like?

The hairy mountain-laurel is a shrub that can grow up to 1.2 meters (about 4 feet) tall. Its leaves are shaped like an oval or egg. They are usually up to 14 millimeters (about 0.6 inches) long.

Its Flowers

The flowers grow in groups called inflorescences. These groups form where the leaves meet the stem, which are called axils. Each group has 1 to 5 flowers. The flowers are pink with pretty red spots.

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