As promised, the Mountain Laurel are starting to show their full potential.

One of the most abundant and prolific flowering evergreens in our area, Kalmia latifolia is found throughout the mountains of North Carolina. Its range is from Alabama up the spine of the Appalachains into Maine.

The flowers range from almost white to a medium pink depending on soil conditions and habitat.

Mountain laurel was first recorded in America in 1624, but named in the 18th century after Pehr Kalm who shipped samples to Carl Linnaeus the Swedish botanist.

The Rhododendron are a sight to see when driving the roads around Highlands and Cashiers - don't miss your chance!