Does API Insert ignore fields not on the layout?

Does API Insert ignore fields not on the layout?

I'm inserting a Contact using the API.  I'm specifying the Layout on the new Contact.  I have a custom field called "Expiration_Date" that is not on the specified Layout (but it is on other layouts).  After I insert the Contact, the "Expiration_Date" field is always blank on the new Contact.  If the field is not on the specified Layout, will it not get added via the API insert?