Mountain laurel
Kalmia latifolia, Kalmia spp.
- Plant type
- shrub
- Settings
- Landscaped and ornamental
- Risk
- High risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Evergreen shrub with glossy leathery leaves and clusters of cup-shaped pink to white flowers (Merck).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Fence off.
- Remove clippings.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Grayanotoxins (andromedotoxin)
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and other green parts
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. Langston names laurel with azalea and rhododendron as toxic to goats; Merck lists all grazing animals.
Signs in goats
Drooling, vomiting, bloat, weakness, staggering (Merck, Langston).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Dangerous all year, most often in winter and spring when other green feed is scarce (Merck).
Sources
Links last checked: 2026-10-31