Lambkill

Scientific name

Kalmia angustifolia

Description

Lambkill is a low evergreen shrub species that typically grows about 0.5 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common name Sheep Laurel. The leaves are oppositely arranged, shiny, dark blue green coloured, leathery, elliptic shaped, have entire leaf margins, and are poisonous. The flowers are small, showy, rose pink coloured, saucer or bell shaped, appear in tight clusters, and bloom between June and July. The flowers are beneficial to pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. This shrub spreads well and could be used to naturalize un-vegetated areas. This plant is highly toxic and should not be consumed by humans.

Planting conditions

Lambkill grows best in moist to wet conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It prefers cool, organically rich humus or sphagnum moss soil types but can adapt to rocky areas. It is tolerant of acidity, light shade, and periodically flooded areas. This shrub can be naturally found in bogs or fens, rocky slopes, moist forests, and along stream or lake shorelines.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Moist
  • Wet
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Loamy
  • Humus
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
• Eco Zone:
  • 1a
  • 1b
  • 2a
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
• Plant type:
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 0.5 m
• Spread:
  • 3 m