Wildflowers Found in Oregon

Western Bog-Laurel (Swamp Laurel, Alpine Laurel)

Kalmia microphylla - Locally common, all summer, perennial, 6-18 in. Stems stand upright or lie prostrate on ground. Leaves leathery, evergreen, 1-2 in. long, usually rolled under on edges; upper surface dark glossy green; lower surface white with dense fine hairs. Pink flowers in loose cluster atop stem. Five petals are partially fused into an open cup, each petal with small pocket that holds tip of the stamen under tension. When touched by an insect, stamen pops out and covers insect with pollen. Grows in peat soils, bogs, wet meadows, rock crevices, at low to high elevations. Native.