Plants→Rhododendrons→Rosebay Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum)

According to "How to Know the Wildflowers" (1922) by Mrs. William Starr Dana, in parts of the country where this plant thrives, it can form veritable Rhododendron jungles, termed "hells" by the mountaineers. The branches reach out and interlace with each other making the area nearly impassable.

Apparently, little attention had been paid to the plant until the Centennial Celebration was held in Philadelphia. Exhibits of the plant attracted thousands of admirers. The plant has also been carefully cultivated in English gardens, as well.

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I normally call this the Rosebay Rhododendron and some in southeast Pennsylvania call it the "native rhododendron." It grows in moist upland woods, on cool mountain slopes, shady sites along watercourses, and in northern swamps from southern Maine and New England into New York down the Appalachian Region into northern Georgia. It grows about 1 to 1.5 feet/year and lives about 150 years. It has large, long, relatively narrow leaves to about 8 inches long. Its bell-shaped flowers range from white to rose-pink to lavender with some yellow spots on the inside. It has a shallow, fibrous root system and transplants readily. Some are sold by many nurseries in its native range region of the eastern US, though it is not as popular as more colorful species of Rhododendrons as the Catawba. It does not always adapt to landscapes well. It does need a shady, sheltered location with good quality acid soil. There are some cultivars with flowers that are pure white or pink or purple.

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West Virginia's state flower

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The word maximum refers to the large size of these plants. A mature specimen is generally 15 feet tall but may become tree-like reaching up to 40 feet. The plant habit is spreading. It is widerr than tall.

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