Calico-bush
Kalmia latifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026
Kalmia latifolia is a native evergreen shrub found throughout eastern North America from Maine to Florida. It produces clusters of pink cup-shaped flowers in May and June.
Calico-bush is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-03). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Calico-bush as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 72"–180" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AL, CT, DE, FL and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Mountain laurel is a classic northeastern evergreen shrub that produces clusters of distinctive cup-shaped pink or white flowers in late spring. It forms a dense, rounded bush with glossy dark green leaves year-round and is prized for its formal appearance and reliable blooming.
Growing Calico-bush
Grow Calico-bush in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 180 inches tall and spread 72 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Calico-bush is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Large mature size requires adequate space planning
Wildlife value
Host plant for azalea sphinx moth.
The flowers attract bees and butterflies during the May-June bloom period. Dense evergreen foliage provides year-round shelter for birds.
Common questions
- Where does Kalmia latifolia naturally grow?
- Kalmia latifolia is native to the eastern United States, ranging from Maine south to northern Florida and west to Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana.
- When does Calico-bush bloom?
- Kalmia latifolia typically blooms in late spring to early summer, with peak flowering occurring in May and June.
- What pollinators visit Kalmia latifolia?
- The flowers of Kalmia latifolia attract various native bees and butterflies, which help pollinate the distinctive cup-shaped blooms.
- What growing conditions does Calico-bush prefer?
- Kalmia latifolia grows best in partial shade to shade with well-draining, acidic soil and consistent moisture, though it can tolerate some drought once established.
- Is Calico-bush toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Calico-bush is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Calico-bush toxic to cats?
- Yes. Calico-bush is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Calico-bush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Calico-bush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Calico-bush HOA-friendly?
- Calico-bush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Calico-bush and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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