Kalmia microphylla
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'