Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is one of those shrubs that catches your eye: glossy evergreen leaves and clusters of cup-shaped flowers in spring. Pretty, right? Problem is, it’s also poisonous. That honey-sweet look can hide real danger for people, dogs, and livestock. This page helps you spot mountain laurel, explains why it’s toxic, and tells you exactly what to do if someone or a pet eats it.
The shrub grows 3–10 feet tall and stays green year-round. Leaves are leathery, 2–6 inches long, and arranged opposite each other on the stem. Flowers appear in round clusters in late spring; they’re white, pink, or light red with darker markings. The flower shape is a shallow cup with stamens that spring out when touched — a neat trick that helps with pollination. If you see these features on a roadside or in a yard, you’re likely looking at mountain laurel.
Mountain laurel is common in eastern North America, especially in woods, rocky slopes, and acidic soils. It tolerates shade, so you’ll find it under trees as well as in clearings. Even if you don’t have it in your yard, be careful with bouquets or branches brought indoors — leaves and flowers stay toxic after being cut.
The plant contains grayanotoxins. These compounds affect nerve and muscle cells by keeping sodium channels open. That sounds technical, but the result is simple: the body’s electrical signals get scrambled. Early signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, stomach pain, dizziness, and a slow or irregular heartbeat. Severe cases can cause low blood pressure, fainting, breathing trouble, and confusion. Livestock like goats and cattle can get very sick from eating large amounts, and dogs often show vomiting and weakness.
There’s also a lesser-known risk: honey made from these flowers can contain grayanotoxin. Called "mad honey," it has caused poisoning in people who ate it. So avoid honey collected near heavy blooms of mountain laurel or other related plants.
If someone eats a leaf or a bunch of flowers, act fast. Remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water. Call your local poison control center or emergency number right away — tell them the plant name if you can. For pets, call your veterinarian or an animal poison hotline. Do not try home remedies like inducing vomiting unless a medical professional tells you to. Treatment usually focuses on monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing; doctors give fluids, medications, or other support as needed.
Prevention is simple: don’t plant mountain laurel where kids, pets, or grazing animals can reach it. If you keep it for its flowers, trim branches out of reach and teach family members not to taste or touch unknown plants. If you remove it, wear gloves and put clippings in sealed bags so curious pets and wildlife can’t get to them.
Mountain laurel is beautiful but not safe to eat. Recognize it, respect it, and you can enjoy the view without risking a trip to the ER or vet.
In my ultimate guide, I explored the remarkable health benefits of Mountain Laurel, a powerful dietary supplement. This plant is packed with health-boosting properties, from aiding digestion and improving skin health to enhancing the immune system. Its anti-inflammatory effects also make it great for relieving pain and swelling. However, it's important to use it properly to avoid potential side effects. So, join me in discovering how to incorporate Mountain Laurel into your diet to reap its numerous benefits.
Callum Laird | Jun, 28 2023 Read More