HARRISBURG, PA – Nestled within the heart of Pennsylvania’s lush landscapes, the mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) stands tall as the state’s cherished flower. Revered for its beauty and historical significance, this enchanting bloom has become a symbol of the Keystone State.
Pennsylvania’s esteemed institution, Penn State, extols the mountain laurel’s allure. While considered a common sight in the state, its charm is anything but ordinary. In the 1930s, Pennsylvania Governor Gifford Pinchot faced a delightful dilemma when the General Assembly presented him with two floral candidates for the state’s emblematic flower: the mountain laurel and the Pink azalea. In a moment of historical significance, Pinchot chose the mountain laurel, signing the bill that officially designated it as the state flower on May 5, 1933.
The history of this flower transcends Pennsylvania’s borders. First cultivated as a flowering ornamental in England in the early 18th century, it was then transported across the Atlantic by English breeders, destined to be embraced as a potted plant in the United States.
Mountain laurels are not merely prized for their aesthetic appeal. These hardy blossoms flourish in woodland settings and form impenetrable thickets that have earned a unique reputation among foresters in Pennsylvania. Affectionately called “ankle breakers” and “ankle biters,” these thickets have garnered both admiration and, at times, exasperation from those who work closely with the land.
Pennsylvania’s state flower boasts a striking and distinctive appearance. The petals of mountain laurel’s florets are fused, resembling inverted parasols. Their color palette spans from pure white to a delicate blush of pink. These elegant blooms grace the landscape well into May and, on occasion, linger into June. Their stature can range from a modest four feet to an impressive ten feet, adding to the grandeur of the state’s natural scenery.
Historical accounts from the 1920s reveal the remarkable demand for mountain laurel foliage. An astonishing 20 million pounds of this evergreen beauty were harvested annually throughout its natural range. The mountain laurel’s primary purpose lies in ornamental decorations, making it a favorite choice for holiday wreaths, boughs, and floral arrangements, lending a touch of Pennsylvania’s natural beauty to homes and festivities.
Throughout Pennsylvania’s wooded hillsides, mountain laurel flourishes, and its resilience against various environmental conditions has made it a common sight. In the garden, cultivating mountain laurel necessitates cool, moist, well-drained soil, further emphasizing the rich tapestry of this state’s flora.
