Pennsylvania State Flower–Mountain Laurel

Mountain laurel is Pennsylvania’s official state flower, and rightfully so. The mountain laurel plant has beautiful pink and white blooms that can bloom in late spring, summer, and early fall, so you can enjoy the colorful blooms all throughout the year. While this is the most common native plant to Pennsylvania, it can also grow just about anywhere in the state because it loves the hot summers and cold winters! Read more to know more about the beautiful Mountain Laurel!

The Official State Flower of Pennsylvania

The Mountain Laurel is a native plant to the Appalachian Mountains and can be found throughout the state. The flower is often used in traditional Appalachian folk medicine and has a long history of use by Native Americans. The flower was adopted as the state flower in 1933. The showy, rose-like flowers bloom in shades of pink, white, and purple from late spring to early summer. The evergreen leaves are dark green and leathery, and the shrub itself can grow to 15 feet tall. Mountain laurel has a long history of use by Native Americans. The Cherokee used an infusion of the leaves to treat fevers, and Delaware used a poultice of the leaves for wounds. The Iroquois made tea from the flowers to treat colds, and the Algonquin used the plant as an insect repellent.

Cultural Significance of Mountain Laurel

Pennsylvania’s state flower is a shrub that is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the United States. The leaves of mountain laurel are evergreen and have a glossy, dark green appearance. The flowers of mountain laurel are white or pink and bloom in the spring. The name “laurel” goes back to ancient Greece and Rome, where people wore wreaths made from laurel branches as a sign of victory and honor. Laurel wreaths were also linked to the god Apollo and were famously worn by leaders like Julius Caesar to show power and achievement.

Also Read: Mountain Laurel Care Guide

Mountain Laurel Flower Meaning

The Mountain laurel is the state flower of both Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and its scientific name, Kalmia latifolia, means “laurel-leaved Kalmia” in Latin. The plant is named after Pehr Kalm, a Finnish botanist, and explorer who studied the plant in America in the 18th century. 

Mountain Laurel Flower Facts

• The mountain laurel is a native North American evergreen shrub.
• It is found in the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia.
• The mountain laurel has leathery, dark green leaves and produces white or pink flowers in the spring. These can be easily found via Wynnewood flower delivery, PA.
• The mountain laurel is the state flower of both Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
• The mountain laurel is poisonous to humans and animals if ingested in large quantities.
• The plant has an interesting way of spreading pollen: when a bee or other pollinator lands on the flower, the stamens release suddenly, flinging pollen onto the insect. 
• In the southern Appalachian Mountains, thick clusters of mountain laurel are sometimes called “laurel hells” because they’re so dense.
• Native Americans used the plant’s hard wood to make spoons, which is why it’s also called spoonwood. Other names for mountain laurel include calico-bush and ivybush.

Where to Find Mountain Laurel in Pennsylvania and Nearby

Appalachian Mountains, PA: In Pennsylvania, the Appalachian Mountains are a good spot to see mountain laurel. The plants grow thick along the trails, and in June, you can see them blooming. If you want to enjoy similar flowers at home, florists in Philadelphia, PA can help.

Blue Ridge Parkway (NC & VA): The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia has a lot of mountain laurel along the roads. You don’t even have to hike to see them. You can get the same look at home with spring flower delivery.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (TN & NC): Mountain laurel grows in thick patches in the Great Smoky Mountains. Trails in Tennessee and North Carolina are full of them. If you can’t go there, you can still get them nearby – search local florist Near Me on Google and you will find varius options.

Connecticut & Pennsylvania Woodlands: Mountain laurel is also in many woodlands in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Walking there in late spring shows off their flowers. If you want them at home, many floral delivery services are there to help you.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the state flower of PA –mountain laurel! We hope you’ll consider ordering a mountain laurel flower delivery for your next special occasion with the best online florist! Order from SnapBlooms today!

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Also Read: Connecticut State Flower