mountain laurel
• noun
North American A North American evergreen shrub (Kalmia latifolia) of the heath family, native to the eastern United States, known for its dense clusters of pale pink or white cup-shaped flowers, leathery leaves, and high toxicity.
"While hiking through the Appalachians in late spring, the trail was beautifully framed by blooming mountain laurel."
North American The striking, cup-shaped blossom of this shrub, widely celebrated and officially designated as the state flower of both Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
"She pressed a sprig of mountain laurel into her botanical journal to remember her trip to Connecticut."
Word Nuance & Usage
Despite containing the word 'laurel', it is not a true laurel; its leaves are highly toxic and must never be confused with the culinary bay laurel leaves used in cooking.
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Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.