Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-12-22
THE MOUNTAIN LAUREL.
Bv David LurnSden.

Many are the attractive shrubs and
trees to be found growing in Rock
Creek Park. Among the few that are
still green at this time of the year
have chosen for my subject the noun
tain laurel, calico bush or spoon wood,
as it is sometimes called. 1t is known,
however, under the botanical name of
kalnia latifolia.
The kalmias belong to a group of
plants known scientifically as the
Ericaceae (heath family. Like other
ericaceous plants, they revel in soil
of an acid nature.
The Indians called this plant the
spoon wood using the wood as they
did to manufacture their simple eating
implements. This even-grained wood
is well adapted to such a purpose. In
the South the plant is known by some
under the name of the calico bush on
account of the pattern of the flowers
Since the plant is seen at its best in
the Southern Appalachian Mountains,
the popular name mountain laurel
seems by far the most fitting.
Among Most Beautiful.
The mountain laurel may be classed
as one of the most beautiful of the
North American evergreen shrubs. 1t
is usually found frequenting portions
of the woods and forests and slopes.
Sometimes it inhabits rocky positions
where the soil is suitable for its re-
quirements and where it can take adj
vantage and revel under the partial
shade of trees. It's glossy leaves are
very attractive, while its snowy flowers,
which are borne in great profusion,
cause visitors who are unacquainted
with the plant to rhapSodize over it's
respondent beauty.
The plant was dedicated by Linnaeus
to Peter Kahn, student and traveller,
about the middle of the last century
The specific name latifolia translated
means simply wide-leaved.
In Summer the shiny leaves show q
marked contrast to the lighter greens
Of the deciduous trees and shrubs,
while in Winter the dark foliage is q
most pleasing and conspicuous object
of the landscape. 1t is during the
months of May and June that we see
1t in the height of its glory displaying
in profuSion its large dome-shaped
clusters of pink flowers, which are
strictly conventional and ornamental in
form.
CIaSsed as Evergreen.
The plant is classified as evergreen
because it retains its green leaves
throughout the year. However, it sheds
them regularly just as deciduous plants
do. The difference is that the noun
tain laurel holds its leaves until the
Fall Of the second year when they
ripen and fall of. Therefore, in Win
ter the plant carries only approximately
one-half the foliage as in Summer.
Mountain laurel has an interesting
habit of growth. 1t is in reality for
est plant growing under forest condi-
tons and seldom wandering far be-
yond its borders. If we wish to pre-
serve the laurel we must consider its
relation to the other woodland vegeta-
ton. Like other plants growing in close
companionship wherein they are not
related, competition becomes inevitable
and struggle is necessary for their
growth under such factors as light,
moisture, soil conditions, etc.
These conditions are constantly
changing, death and decay of the trees
going to make up the soil. Sometimes
the changes produce favorable condi-
tons and sometimes unfavorable. Per-
haps OF all the factors which affect the
growth Of the mountain laurel, light
is one of the most important.
Openings in Woods Best.
1t is only in the openings in the
woods that we see the mountain laurel
take on the best form of growth, In
the forest its height is limited by the
presence of trees. Where too much
shade is in evidence the growth becomes
weak, and what growths survive are
twisted and distorted and do not pos
sesS the stamina to flower in profu-
sion as is the case when the plants are
growing under proper cultural environ
ment. When piece of woods contain
ing mountain laurel is thinned out, con-
ditions for the plant are at once i'm
proved. Light and growing space are