Mountain Laurel is often called ‘spoonwood’ by native Americans who usually use the wood of this shrub for making spoons. The botanic name of the plant is derived from ‘Pehr Kalm’. The plant is known by a host of other names like ‘Ivybush’, ‘Calico Bush’, ‘Sheep Laurel’, ‘Lambkill’ and ‘Clamoun’.

This evergreen shrub grows anywhere between 3 to 9 metres. It bears star shaped flowers which appear in clusters and is available in shades of red, white and pink, blossoming between May and June. The simple, dark shining leaves are mostly alternate or are found in pairs. The plant bears woody capsular fruits with numerous seeds.

Mountain laurel is found to exist in the some parts of the United States, from Maine to Florida, and in the west in Indiana and Louisiana. The plant can survive in any climatic condition. In American mountains, the plant grows as a small tree whereas in England it can be found as a shrub.

This state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania is mostly popular because of its sublime beauty and is a well-known garden flower.