[2] Kalmia, the genus, is named after Swedish-Finn botanist Pehr Kalm, a student of Carl Linnaeus, while microphylla derives from Ancient Greek meaning "small leaves".

[5] Kalmia microphylla are characterized as being short, shrubs that have a maximum height of 24 inches and their growth rarely surpasses 6 ft.[3] This plant is easily mistaken for the K. polifolia "bog-laurel" because of the similar characteristics of their flowers.

Leaves are distinctly lanceolate in shape with rolled leaf edges, a leathery texture, and dark green color.

The plant's branches and twigs are fuzzy in early growth and then during maturity become smooth and reddish brown to grayish in color.

Distribution of Kalmia microphylla ranges from Alaska to California and now has expanded through much of northern Canada.