Mountain Laurel
Calico Bush
Spoonwood
Flower Language
- admiration
- great hope
- ambition
Characteristics
Description
Kalmia is an evergreen shrub native to North America in the Ericaceae family, introduced to Japan around 1915. It blooms pale pink flowers in clusters from May to June, with a beautiful umbrella-like shape when viewed from below. The flowers have a unique structure where stamens move like springs to attach pollen to insects. In America, it is designated as the state flower in some states and is popular for its beautiful flowers.
Trivia
- Named after botanist Peter Kalm
- Flower stamens have spring mechanism that releases pollen when insects touch them
- Known for producing 'poison honey' as toxins transfer to honey
- Hard wood quality led Native Americans to call it 'spoonwood' for making spoons
Uses
Ornamental
- Main flowering tree in Western-style gardens
- Cultivated as bonsai
- Enjoyed as cut flowers for short periods
Medicinal
- Used as external medicine in Native American folk medicine
- Currently prohibited for medicinal use due to toxicity
Caution: Absolutely avoid medicinal use as the whole plant is highly toxic
Culinary
Absolutely avoid culinary use as the whole plant is highly toxic
Other
- Hard wood used as material for spoons and utensils
- Decorative use as dried flowers
- Ornamental effects in horticultural therapy
Toxicity
Toxicity Level: Severe
Toxic Parts: whole plant, especially leaves and flowers
Symptoms: Ingestion causes severe poisoning symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, and cardiac paralysis