Kalmia polifolia

Kalmia polifolia is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The reported severity is critical. Also known as Swamp Laurel.

dogs cats horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

This plant is known to be potentially deadly!

  • If you're comfortable with the risk, ensure this plant is out of reach of your animal.
  • If you suspect your animal has ingested portions of this plant, immediately consult your veterinarian.
  • If your animal is experiencing any of the associated symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian's emergency number for further instructions.

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Vomiting Diarrhea Weakness Cardiac Failure Death Abdominal Pain Drooling Loss Of Appetite Colic Depression Incoordination Stupor Paralysis Weak Pulse Recumbency Coma Tremors Seizures High Heart Rate Difficulty Breathing

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Kalmia polifolia, previously known as Kalmia glauca and commonly called bog laurel, swamp laurel, or pale laurel, is a perennial evergreen shrub of cold acidic bogs, in the family Ericaceae. It is native to north-eastern North America, from Newfoundland to Hudson Bay southwards.

Common Names

  • Swamp Laurel

Also recorded as Bog Kalmia, Bog-Laurel, box laurel, northern bog laurel, pale bog laurel and pale laurel.

Facts

Family
Ericaceae
Duration
Perennial
Growth habit
Shrub
Native to
Labrador, Newfoundland, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut
In the wild
US, CA, GB, PM, LV, FI + more
Source
Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Elsewhere

Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.