catawba rhododendron

The catawba rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) is a pink-flowered rhododendron native to the southern Allegheny Mountains in the United States. It is a species within the diverse genus Rhododendron, which comprises about 1,000 species of woody flowering plants known for their attractive flowers and foliage.12

Rhododendrons are found primarily in the north temperate zone, particularly in the moist, acidic soils of the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. They vary in habit from evergreen to deciduous and can range from low-growing ground covers to tall trees. Their leaves are typically thick and leathery, and their flowers come in a wide array of colors, including white, yellow, pink, scarlet, purple, and blue. The catawba rhododendron is a notable flowering attraction in areas like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.2