Blooming Now in the Lower Susquehanna Region: Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), designated as Pennsylvania’s state flower, is a native evergreen shrub of forests situated on dry rocky slopes with acidic soils. As the common name implies, we think of it mostly as a plant of the mountainous regions—those areas of the Susquehanna watershed north of Harrisburg. It is indeed symbolic of Appalachian forests. But Mountain Laurel can also be found to the south of the capital city in forested highlands of the Piedmont. There, currently, it happens to be in full bloom. Let’s put on a pair of sturdy shoes and take a walk in the Hellam Hills of eastern York County at Rocky Ridge County Park to have a look.
The showy flower clusters of blooming Mountain Laurel are conspicuous throughout Rocky Ridge County Park right now.Mountain Laurel flowering in the utility right-of-way south of the main parking area at Rocky Ridge……and to the north of the parking area at the hawk-watch platform.Strolling a forest trail, particularly west of the utility right-of-way, can take you on a path through a thicket of flowering Mountain Laurel.The majority of Mountain Laurels one might encounter will sport white flowers.Others vary, exhibiting shades of spectacular pink.Look closely and you’ll see flowers with curled filaments on some of the stamens. When a bee or other insect makes contact, they spring into an extended position to assure pollen transfer to the visiting pollinator.Absolutely spectacular.
Rain or shine, do get out and have a look at the blooming Mountain Laurel.
