| Catawba Rhododendron is a multi-trunked large shrub or small tree that grows on steep north-facing slopes in the Piedmont of North Carolina. It has an unusual disjunct range in the Mountains, where it grows at higher elevations than the Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum), which doesn't make it down to the Piedmont. Showy clusters of large pink-purple flowers appear in late spring. Pilot Mountain, Surry Co., NC 5/16/10.
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| The large, entire, leathery, evergreen leaves are much broader than those of the Rosebay Rhododendron. Pilot Mountain, Surry Co., NC 5/16/10.
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| Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Durham, NC 5/24/2009.
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| Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.
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| Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.
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| Flower buds. Alleghany Co., NC 5/29/05.
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| When the temperature is below freezing, the leaves droop, regaining their angle as the sun warms them up. Alleghany Co., NC 9/3/06.
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| The bark is dark and rough. Alleghany Co., NC 9/3/06.
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| Pilot Mountain, Surry Co., NC 5/16/10.
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More information:
Bioimages
University of Connecticut
Virginia Tech Dendrology
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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