Kingdom Plantae Family Ericaceae Scientific name Kalmia procumbens Rank Species | Order Ericales Genus Kalmia Higher classification Kalmia | |
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Similar Ericaceae, Phyllodoce caerulea, Arctostaphylos alpina, Cassiope, Cassiope tetragona | ||
Kalmia procumbens, commonly known as alpine azalea or trailing azalea, is a dwarf shrub of high mountain regions of the Northern Hemisphere that usually grows no more than 10 centimeters (4 in) tall. Originally named by Linnaeus as Azalea procumbens, it is also named after French botanist L.L.A. Loiseleur-Deslongchamps - Loiseleuria procumbens.
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Distribution
Kalmia procumbens is not well known though it has been widely distributed. These plants are common in the subarctic regions and high mountains of the northern hemisphere. This species is also found in Eurasia. It is also found in Maine. Easy to propagate and will make an excellent rock garden plant
Habitat and Ecology
Kalmia procumbens prefers alpine or subalpine, rocky exposed habitat. They grow above treeline with mountain heathers and at low elevations in bogs.
Morphology
Individuals of this species are shrub grown for two to five rose-pink flowers. Its leaves are opposite and its evergreen leaves are leathery blades to 8mm long and have incised margin. Edges are rolled under green on the top and white with dense short hairs underneath.
Flowers and fruit
Flowers of Kalmia procumbens are bell shaped and five lobed, and have five stamens. The flowering time is late spring and summer however it also depends upon altitude and climate.