T r e e s  o f  N o r t h  C a r o l i n a

Rhododendron L. (Ericaceae)

A genus of about 850 species of shrubs and trees; mostly north temperate (centered in Himalayan Asia).

Although North Carolina is home to a number of species of Rhododendron, only two, both native, may reach the size of small trees.

Key to Rhododenron in North Carolina

1. Leaves rounded at base (rarely broadly cuneate or slightly cordate), obtuse at apex; leaf generally 1.5-2.5× as long as wide; corolla usually deep pink to purple; sepals 0.5-1 mm long...R. catawbiense (Pink laurel)

1. Leaves cuneate at base, acute at apex; leaf generally 3-5× as long as wide; corolla usually white to pale pink; sepals 4-6 mm long...R. maximum (Great laurel)