Family: Ericaceae
Author: Michx.
Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 1: 258 (1803)
Year: 1803
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rhododendron
Vegetable: False
Observations: West Virginia to SE. U.S.A.
Description
The Catawba rhododendron, scientifically known as Rhododendron catawbiense, is a robust and stunning flowering shrub native to the southeastern region of the United States, stretching from West Virginia to various parts of the southeastern U.S.A. It was first documented in “Flora Boreali-Americana” in 1803 by the botanist Michaux, a testament to its longstanding presence and significance in North American flora.
Belonging to the Ericaceae family, the Catawba rhododendron is celebrated for its beautiful and vibrant blossoms, which typically emerge in late spring to early summer. The blooms are often a striking shade of lavender to purple, creating an impressive visual display whether in natural settings or cultivated gardens. These flowers not only add color and aesthetic appeal but also attract an array of pollinators, playing a crucial role in the local ecosystem.
The plant prefers mountainous regions and thrives in well-drained, acidic soils with a good amount of organic matter. It favors partial shade but can also adapt to more sunlit areas if provided with adequate moisture. The evergreen leaves of the Catawba rhododendron are leathery and dark green, offering year-round foliage that adds structure and greenery to landscapes even outside the blooming season.
Cultivators and gardeners value the Catawba rhododendron not only for its beauty but also for its relatively low maintenance demands. Resistant to many common pests and diseases, this hardy shrub can withstand the varying conditions within its native range, making it an excellent choice for plant enthusiasts looking to incorporate a reliable and attractive species into their garden designs.
In summary, the Catawba rhododendron is a distinguished member of the Ericaceae family with significant horticultural and ecological value. Its vivid flowers, evergreen foliage, and adaptability to different growing conditions ensure its continued popularity and relevance in both natural and cultivated landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: catawba rhododendron, catawba rosebay, mountain rose bay, mountain rosebay, purple laurel, purple-laurel
Por: azaléia, mini-azaléia
Swe: catawba-rododendron, “catawbarododendron “, parkrododendron
En: Catawba rhododendron, Mountain rose bay, Purple-laurel, Catawba rosebay, Mountain rosebay, Purple laurel
Az: Katabiens rododendronu
Da: Catawba-Rododendron
Fi: Virginianalppiruusu
Lt: Amerikinis rododendras
Pl: Różanecznik katawbijski
Pt: Azaléia, Mini-azaléia
Ru: Рододендрон кэтевбинский
Sv: Catawba-rododendron, Parkrododendron, “catawbarododendron “
Synonyms
- Hymenanthes catawbiensis ((Michx.) H.F.Copel.)
- Rhododendron catawbiense f. compactum (Kelsey ex Nearing)
- Rhododendron catawbiense var. album (P.Glass)
- Rhododendron catawbiense f. tomopetalum (Rehder)
- Rhododendron catawbiense f. insularis (Coker)
- Rhododendron catawbiense f. album ((P.Glass) Rehder)
- Azalea catawbiensis ((Michx.) Kuntze)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Feb 8, 2022 by Caroline L (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2020 by Sabina Hartmann (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2004 by EOL − Bruce K. Kirchoff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 24, 2021 by Ewa Kowalewska (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 1, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2015 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 28, 2019 by Maria Clarete Cardoso Ribeiro Clarete (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 1, 2020 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 30, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2015 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 1, 2022 by Ydwig (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2020 by Chrissy Fanning (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2021 by Busch Werner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by Sean Rohde (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 3, 2004 by EOL − Bruce K. Kirchoff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Andounais Blue (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 27, 2021 by Anabela Powell (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 4, 2021 by Turtlewax114 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 29, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 28, 2022 by Brandy York (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Sabin Poenariu (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2883047)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332124-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron catawbiense Michx.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub