Bog-laurel
Kalmia polifolia
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bog-laurel (Kalmia polifolia) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Bog-laurel as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, MA, ME, MI and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees
Bog-laurel is a compact evergreen shrub with small, leathery leaves and clusters of pink cup-shaped flowers in summer. This specialty plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and thrives in acidic environments. It maintains a neat, low-growing form that works well in specialized garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bog-laurel takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires specialized wet soil conditions that may look problematic
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
- High water needs may appear as poor drainage issue
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract bees and other pollinators. As an evergreen shrub, it provides year-round shelter for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bog-laurel need?
- Bog-laurel grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Bog-laurel bloom?
- Bog-laurel blooms in June and July.
- Where is Bog-laurel native?
- Bog-laurel (Kalmia polifolia) is native to CT, MA, ME, MI and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bog-laurel toxic to dogs?
- Bog-laurel is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Bog-laurel toxic to cats?
- Bog-laurel is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Bog-laurel toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Bog-laurel as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Bog-laurel attract?
- Bog-laurel draws bees.
- Is Bog-laurel HOA-friendly?
- Bog-laurel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Bog-laurel? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz