Our Eastern US native sand myrtle, Kalmia buxifolia is a far cry from its better-known cousin, mountain laurel, Kalmia latifolia. This is why for many years, it was placed in an entirely different genus, Leiophyllum. This more diminutive cousin prefers moist acidic sandy soils. Our collection from NC’s Brunswick County has made itself right at home and is in full flower, staring in mid-March. Sand myrtle has an odd, scattered range, from central Pennsylvania south to NC/SC, where it can be found in both high mountains, and coastal flatlands. The tiny evergreen foliage and growth habit is quite reminiscent of the genus, Hebe.
