Mountain Laurel / Kalmia latifolia
Artist
Elizabeth (Bessie) Murray Tyler
(American, 1892 - 1980)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1934
MediumWatercolor and graphite
DimensionsOverall: 11 5/16 x 7 1/4 in. (28.7 x 18.4 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
Overall, Mat: 19 1/4 x 14 1/4 in. (48.9 x 36.2 cm)
SignedSigned lower right; dated May 16.
InscribedThis beautiful evergreen is a close relative of the Rhododendron. State flower of Connecticut. Found growing in shady woods along streams, blooming from May through June. Honey made from these flowers has been found to be poisonous, and the government has classed the Kalmias among our principal poisonous plants. The foliage is very destructive to cattle and sheep. It contains a dangerous substance which when eaten is more deadly than strychnine. The Indians were familiar with the poisonous nature of the leaves and made a concoction which they drank when disposed with suicidal intent. The leaves have been used illegally to simulate the effects of cheap liquors. This genus of American Laurel was dedicated to Peter Kalin, a pupil of Linnaeus who traveled to this country. [edited transcription]
Credit LineMuseum collection
Object number41.45.46
Not on view
DescriptionPart of the Tidewater Wildflowers series, done as a WPA Project. Watercolor depicting Mountain Laurel.Label TextMountain Laurel / Kalmia latifolia, ca. 1934 Watercolor and graphite This beautiful evergreen is a close relative of the Rhododendron. State flower of Connecticut. Found growing in shady woods along streams, blooming from May through June. Honey made from these flowers has been found to be poisonous, and the government has classed the Kalmias among our principal poisonous plants. The foliage is very destructive to cattle and sheep. It contains a dangerous substance which when eaten is more deadly than strychnine. The Indians were familiar with the poisonous nature of the leaves and made a concoction which they drank when disposed with suicidal intent. The leaves have been used illegally to simulate the effects of cheap liquors. This genus of American Laurel was dedicated to Peter Kalin, a pupil of Linnaeus who traveled to this country. Museum collection 41.45.46 Exhibition HistoryShown at June 1970 meeting of the Chevy Chase, Maryland, Garden Club by (Mrs. John A.) Virginia Tyler Webster Horticulture Chairman. "Tidewater Wildflowers: Watercolors by Bessie Tyler," Willoughby-Baylor House, Norfolk, VA, April 16, 2015 - March 6, 2016.
