sheep laurel
Noun: 1. A North American shrub: A low-growing, evergreen shrub native to eastern North America. It is characterized by narrow, leathery leaves and clusters of small, bright pink to red flowers that bloom in early summer. All parts of the plant are highly toxic to livestock, especially sheep, and other animals.
The term "sheep laurel" is used specifically to identify this poisonous plant species (Kalmia angustifolia) in botanical, agricultural, and ecological contexts. It is often mentioned in warnings to farmers and landowners.
- Noun:
- The pasture was fenced off because it was overgrown with sheep laurel.
- Botanists study the role of sheep laurel in acidic wetland ecosystems.
- Ingestion of sheep laurel can be fatal to young animals.
- As a countable noun: It can be referred to in both singular and plural forms (e.g., one sheep laurel, several sheep laurels).
- In compound terms: While "sheep laurel" itself is the primary term, it is part of the larger "laurel" family of plants, which includes mountain laurel ().
- Lambkill: A common synonym for "sheep laurel," emphasizing its toxicity.
- Kalmia angustifolia: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
- Mountain laurel (): A related, larger shrub with broader leaves, also poisonous but often cultivated as an ornamental plant.
- Lambkill
- Dwarf laurel
- Pig laurel
- ()
The name directly references its primary hazard (poisonous to sheep) and its visual similarity to other plants in the laurel family. It has no positive or idiomatic meanings outside of its literal botanical identification and associated warning.
- North American dwarf shrub resembling mountain laurel but having narrower leaves and small red flowers; poisonous to young stock