Sheep Laurel is a beautiful, small, evergreen shrub that likes to form colonies.  In spring, its flowers erupt in varying shades of pink adding sparks of color to the landscape.
 
     Poke Logan is a cultivar originating in Maine with characteristics similar to the straight species.  Here's the Native Plant Trust on Poke Logan: 'Poke Logan' is a cultivar with very glossy leaves and a shell-pink bloom. Plant in moist, well-drained, acidic soils in masses or to naturalize; the reward is an incredible early-summer floral display that attracts a great diversity of pollinators.
 
     'Poke Logan' also is among the New York Botanical Garden's list of recommended native plants.
 
     A four-season shrub, Sheep Laurel works great as a foundation plant and makes a nice addition to a sunny or partly shady garden, happiest given room to spread and form colonies.
 
     Sheep Laurel is larval host to several butterflies including the Northern Blue and Brown Elfin.
 
     Sheep Laurel grows naturally in boggy soil but is adaptable to dry soil once established.  It is in the Heath family and prefers slightly acidic soils.
 
     Also called Sheepkill, Kalmia angustifolia is toxic to livestock and largely deer resistant.
 
    Images depict the straight species; Poke Logan has glossier leaves and blooms that are of a lighter pink.  1st photo: Doug McGrady