Mountain laurel's saucer-shaped spring blooms unfold from pleated, origami-like buds, one of the most architecturally striking flowers of any native North American shrub.
Native to the eastern United States, mountain laurel thrives in the dappled shade of woodland edges, and its glossy evergreen leaves and elaborate blooms have made it the state flower of both Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Mountain laurel wants partial shade — like an understory shrub in its native woodland habitat — and moist, well-draining, acidic soil similar to what rhododendrons and azaleas prefer. It resents heavy clay or waterlogged soil, so good drainage matters more than fertilizer for keeping it healthy.
All parts of mountain laurel are toxic if ingested, so it's best kept away from livestock pastures and out of reach of grazing pets.
