Carolina Rhododendron

Carolina Rhododendron is a smaller and more delicate native rhododendron than Rosebay, native to rocky woods and bluffs of the southern Appalachians where it often grows in more exposed, drier sites than its relatives. Its smaller, 2–4 inch leaves are covered on the undersides with rust-colored scales (lepidote), and its pink to rose-purple flowers bloom in late spring before Rosebay Rhododendron. It is widely cultivated as a more compact and cold-hardy garden plant. The species is ecologically important as evergreen cover in rocky upland habitats.