Sheep laurel, one of several broad-leaved evergreen shrubs in the local understory, is prone to wilting — a defense mechanism that helps it conserve water during droughts and cold weather. It’s not that unusual to see Kalmia angustifolia flagging, especially in the winter months, but the prolonged dry conditions of late will surely test the toughness of this native plant. The colony growing on either side of the western Beech Forest boardwalk — usually a rather damp location — is notably limp, making it easily distinguishable from another nearby broad-leaved evergreen, inkberry, whose similar leaves are still quite cheerful. The pictured specimen seems confused by all the late-season sunshine: a pink flower bud, meant for spring, is in development.