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Pennsylvania State Flower Facts
Pennsylvania State Flower Facts. Known for its small, pink blossoms, the mountain laurel is the state flower not only for Pennsylvania but Connecticut as well. The mountain laurel's history in America extends to the 1600s, and it continues to color the Pennsylvania countryside each summer with the soft pink, white and red hues of its petals.
Known for its small, pink blossoms, the mountain laurel is the state flower not only for Pennsylvania but Connecticut as well. The mountain laurel's history in America extends to the 1600s, and it continues to color the Pennsylvania countryside each summer with the soft pink, white and red hues of its petals.
State Flower History
The mountain laurel has been Pennsylvania's official state flower since 1933. Connecticut, however, has the first claim to the plant--General Assembly named it Connecticut's state flower in 1907, 26 years prior. Its first recorded presence in America was in 1624.
Beautiful but Deadly
Despite its unassuming pink shade, the mountain laurel is a relatively dangerous plant--every part of the flower, including the twigs, pollen and leaves is fatally toxic. Gypsy moth caterpillars are able to consume the plant, but will do so only as a last resort.
Size
Mountain laurel plants can grow to relatively large size--up to 30 feet wide and 10 feet tall. The leaves are typically 1 to 5 inches long.
Uses
The wood of the mountain laurel plant is strong, and is therefore used for practical purposes. It has been used to make chairs, tables, tobacco pipes, spoons and parts for wooden clocks. Today, it is used primarily for its aesthetic value in floral displays.
Pseudonyms
Mountain laurel flowers go by a wide variety of names. Its scientific name is Kalmia latiflolia, and it also goes by sheep laurel, clamoun, lambkill, calico bush, ivybush and spoonwood.
