L is for Laurel

Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is the state flower of Connecticut.  It is also the derivation of my name.  My mother never told me why she chose it.  There is never an end to all the things you wonder about after your parents die, things that will remain unanswered forever.

Laurels like acid soil, some shade, and even moisture through the growing season.  Deer nibble on them, but not enough so that we all can't share.  They line I-95, up on the rocks, at the wood's edge, in the eastern portion of Connecticut.  Driving that highway is a real treat in mid-June.

They are popping into bloom as I write.

Comments

[Manise]

I love mountain laurel- I have one that's a bit lighter than yours. It was originally a foundation planting that wasn't very happy until I moved it into the rock wall border with part shade. No nibbles from deer- though they eat my sedum.

You're so right about how little we know about our parents or the myriad of questions that one has about them after they die and will go unanswered forever. I realized this after my mom who recently died- the Globe interviewed me for a personal obit that's in today's paper featuring her artist life and some of the questions that were asked I had no answers to.

Enjoy the sun!

[Mia]

Lovely laurels, Laurie! Your mom had great taste in names and flowers.

[Barbp]

Those are beautiful flowers, and I don't think I've ever seen them before so thanks so much for sharing.

[Lee Ann]

I still remember the first time I saw those flowers, when I was about five. I thought they were magical. :-) Turns out they're mighty poisonous, but you can create a yellowish dye from the leaves...I'm amazed that the deer even go near the plant, though. I guess the flowers themselves are not so bad, but the berries are lethal. There's a narcotic in the whole plant, so maybe the deer are getting buzzed on the flowers ;-)

[Beth S.]

My favorite Greek myth was the story of Daphne changing into a laurel. (I was the nerdy kind of kid who had favorite Greek myths.) I didn't grasp the finer nuances in the story, of course--I just thought it was amazing that a human being would make a choice like that, to be silent and rooted to the earth. It was fascinating and horrifying all at once.

[Kat]

So that's what those flowers are called. There is one of those in my parent's yard. When we were little my sister and I would pick the flowers (they are slightly sticky at the base) and put them on our ears for earrings.

[Cordelia]

They also produce poisonous honey.

Well, when combined with the bees & the whole honey-making process.

Just another fun fact to add to your repetoire about laurels.

[Dorothy B]

Those are beautiful! Sounds like another hardy flower I could have in my garden if I moved to a warmer Zone. ;-)

[benedetta]

thank you Laurie, for revealing me the name of this plant with the most curious flowers!
I always stop and look at them, they are lovely and unusual.
and i was surprised to learn it is the plant from which one the homeopathic remedy i have used for my eyes comes from.
love learning new things about the world around me.

[Cindy D]

I've got to get a mountain laurel!!! I've always admired them and your photo makes me want one even more!!!

[Chris]

You successfully continue your alphabetical theme! Good job. :)

[Helen]

I agree about the Mountain Laurel. My mother keeps wondering if she should cut down the Mtn. Laurel bush in front of the house, and I have to keep convincing her not to. :)

[Theresa]

Spring and summer in New England is always so incredible - especially all along the highway that was completely and utterly desolate just 2 months ago. Thanks for the photo.

[Chris]

I grew up with Laurel, I have Laurel in my backyard, and you, Madam, are yes lovely Laurel.

[Carole]

The laurel is beautiful. And so is the sentiment about the questions that go unanswered after our parents die. And the stories that go untold because of all the time we reach for the phone and then remember there's no one to call.

[Alice]

My family's vacation home in NJ, where we spent all our summers when I was a child - is named Laurel Lodge. My mother's grandfather built the house, and the laurels in front of the porch are now about 10 feet tall. Another thought - how I wish I could remember all the things my parents told me before they died! Thank you for the picture

[Judith]

Your mountain laurel is gorgeous! I like it too because it brings up memories. The flowers are sticky too--great for sticking to the end of your nose.