mountain laurel

noun

a North American laurel, Kalmia latifolia, having terminal clusters of rose to white flowers: the state flower of Connecticut and Pennsylvania.

Also called calico bush.

Origin

1750-60, Americanism

British Dictionary definitions for mountain laurel

mountain laurel

noun

any of various ericaceous shrubs or trees of the genus Kalmia, esp K. latifolia of E North America, which has leathery poisonous leaves and clusters of pink or white flowers Also called calico bush