A Year With the Trees

I write "A Year With the Trees" to bring an awareness to the world about the importance of trees to the future of our planet. Planting and being stewards of trees native to where you live is of vital importance for the health of animals, insects, birds, all life, including our own. I am studying the trees that are native to Southern Appalachia, where I live. This blog illustrates 92 trees and why we need to be responsible to keep native plant communities alive and well.

Sunday, October 25, 2026

Mountain Laurel - Kalmia latifolia

Ericaceae - Heath Family
"A Year With the Trees" - Tree Number 25

January 25

April 25

July 25

October 25
Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia

Spring

Mountain Laurel, Kalmia latifolia

These small trees are filled with flowers in May and June. You can find many Mountain laurels throughout the Botanical gardens of Asheville; that is where these photos were taken.

The beautiful flowers display mother nature's stitching as each flower has intricate stitching in each flower.
http://www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/

Mountain Laurel

The Mountain Laurel is usually a large shrub that lives in thickets. However, it can grow up to 25 feet tall with a single trunk that is 10 inches in diameter. The flowers are pink and white and red with pink lantern-shaped buds.

Summer