An evergreen large shrub or small tree, common in the Mountains, but an uncommon tree of north-facing slopes in the Piedmont of North Carolina. Unopened flower buds are pinkish.

Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.

Mountain-Laurels produce showy clusters of 10-parted white to pink flowers in early-mid May in the Durham area.

Chatham Co., NC 5/11/2003.

The leathery evergreen leaves slightly resemble those of the unrelated laurel (Laurus nobilis) of Europe, but are very poisonous.

Orange Co., NC 3/30/05.

Bark detail.

Orange Co., NC 3/30/05.