Catawba Rhododendron

Description:

Rhododendron catawbiense (Catawba Rhododendron) is a species of Rhododendron native to the eastern United States. It is a dense, suckering shrub growing to 3 m tall, rarely 5 m. The leaves are evergreen, 6-12 cm long and 2-4 cm broad. The flowers are 3-4.5 cm diameter, violet-purple, often with small spots or streaks. The fruit is a dry capsule 15-20 mm long, containing numerous small seeds. The species is named after the Catawba tribe of Native Americans.

Habitat:

Grows mainly in the Appalachian Mountains from Virginia south to northern Alabama.

Notes:

Found on Roan Mountain where every June they hold a Rhododendron Festival and is said to be the Largest Rhododendron garden in the world. Have included photos showing the flowers in several stages of blooming.