Mountain Laurel

Here's another native plant:  Mountain laurel.  The blooming season in Georgia is over--it's late April/early May in the near-foothills, and probably mid-to late May in the mountains.  They bloom later than native azaleas, but are otherwise similar in many respects.  However, they aren't rhododendrons.  The Latin name is Kalmia latifolia.  They inhabit the same kinds of spaces as native azaleas.  I see them mostly on slopes and often near water; they exist in semi-shaded areas (sometimes the shade can be substantial).  The blooms have no scent.  Unlike native azaleas, they are evergreen--keeping their leaves through the winter.

They're uncommon in nurseries, but a few improved cultivars exist.  One person at a nursery told me they were difficult to transplant.  I got some one time from a native plant nursery in NC, but they died in my suburban yard by the wood line during one of the long dry summers (despite getting supplemental water).  As far as I know, they're just ornamental, though some animals may browse them.  They're nice.

I have a few back in the woods near the river at the rural place.  I see them in the woods at the various places I run and mountain bike--again, usually on slopes, often near streams.