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Mountain Laurel

Kalmia latifolia

Description:

Large shrub (5 feet tall) with dramatic clusters of white and pink buds and white flowers. The leaves were shiny and leathery.

Habitat:

On the side of an old dirt road in a rural area.

Notes:

Mountain Laurel is the state flower of Connecticut.

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2 Comments

Christine Y.
Christine Y. 6 years ago

Thanks for the interesting information Lynn :)

Lynn Cremona
Lynn Cremona 6 years ago

Each cup-like flower contains 10 stamens (the male parts of the flower that holds the pollen) that surrounds a central ovary. The heads of these stamens are embedded in the sides of the cup-like flowers.

As a bee or other pollinating insect enters the flower, the movement causes the release of the pollen bearing tips. As the 10 stamens spring inward, they spread their pollen on the furry body of the bee, who then carries it to the next flower, which allows for cross pollination.

Christine Y.
Spotted by
Christine Y.

Connecticut, USA

Spotted on Jun 14, 2017
Submitted on Dec 11, 2017

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