Kalmia microphylla

Bog Laurel

Bog Laurel
aka Alpine Laurel, Western Swamp Laurel, Kalmia polifolia. The rose-pink saucer-shaped flowers about 0.75″ (2 cm) across have 10 stamens which are held in small pocket at the base of the petals. At the slightest touch they snap out to dust an insect with pollen. The evergreen shrub, seldom over 6″ tall, has narrow lance-shaped leaves up to 1.5″ long. The leaves and flowers contains andromedotoxin which is poisonous to cattle and sheep. Usually found in boggy meadows above 4,000′ elevation.

Family:

Ericaceae - HEATH FAMILY

Genus:

Kalmia after Peter Kalm, a student of noted naturalist Carolus, or Carl, Linnaeus

Species:

microphylla means 'small leafed'
Photo location: From several locations including Mountain Meadows, Spray Park, meadow along Sunrise Rim Trail east of Sunrise Camp, near Dewey Lakes and near the WLT south of Skyscraper Pass.