Rhododendron maximum

great laurel, rosebay rhododendron

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Photo credit: R. Harrison Wiegand, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Heritage Service. www.dnr.state.md.us
Family

Ericaceae

Region

Mountain, Piedmont

States

District of Columbia, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Plant Type

Medium Shrub, Small/Medium Tree (Understory)

Height

15 - 20ft

Spread

10 - 15ft

Flower Color

Pink, White

Fruit

Capsule; Brown, Red

Sun Exposure

Partial Sun, Shade

Soil Texture

Loamy

Soil Moisture

Moist, Wet

Blooms

May - August

Fall Color

evergreen

Habitat

cool mountain slopes, moist woods, sheltered coves and ravines, along creeks

Notes

needs space; may form dense thicket; when in full bloom, a rhododendron-covered slope is beautiful. Frequently cultivated for ornament. The hard wood may be used for tool handles, decorative objects, and fuel.

More Information

Landscaping with Native Plants
Native Plant List
How to Shop for Native Plants
Plant Invaders of the Mid Atlantic

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Resources

The Native Plants Guide

Physiographic Regions of Chesapeake Watershed

Mountain
Piedmont
Coastal Plain