[Reprinted from Journal OF the New York Botanical Garden, June, 1913.] 



WILD PLANTS NEEDING PROTECTION* 



8. "American or Mountain Laurel" (Kalmia latifolia L.) 



With Plate CXVII 



In the beginning of June, when the days are long and warm 

 and the daisies and clover in the tall grass are waving in the 

 breeze, when the tulip-trees are in bloom and the roses and 

 paeonies fill the gardens with their perfume and color, then the 

 flowers of the laurel may be found, rivalling in their delicacy of 

 color and perfect symmetry of form any of the more showy 

 blossoms of cultivation. It seems as if the climax of all that is 

 dainty and lovely had been reached in this beautiful American 

 wild flower. 



But where the laurel once was abundant it is rapidly becoming 

 scarce or extinct. On account of its evergreen leaves, it is 

 gathered in winter for Christmas decorations and other festivities ; 

 all the year round it is used to decorate fruit-stands and its wood 



* Illustrated by the aid of the Stokes Fund for the Preservation of Native 

 Plants. 



