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rhododendron maximum - Greater rhododendron

Picture
​This plant grows up to 30 feet tall with a 10 to 12 foot diameter.  The leaves are very thick and leathery, elliptical-oblong or lance-oblong, very smooth, tapered at the base.  The leaf edges are rolled, they are usually whitish beneath, and are 3 to 8 inches long.  The twigs are hairy.  The flower buds are large and have long, thin bracts.  The flowers are pink to purple, and one variety has white flowers.

This is the largest rhododendron in North America.  The hard wood may be used for tool handles, decorative objects, and fuel.  It is frequently cultivated as an ornamental species.  The leaves are sometimes poisonous to cattle and deer, who usually avoid them.

The Greater Rhododendron flowers from June to July.  It is found in damp woods.

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  • Home
  • Animals
    • Birds >
      • Avian Taxonomy
      • Bird Species Profiles
    • Mammal Species Profiles
    • Reptiles
    • Amphibians >
      • Frog and Toad Species Profiles
    • Fish
    • Arthropods >
      • Arthropod Species Profiles
  • Plants
    • Native Plant Societies
    • Eastern Plant Identification Guide
  • Fungi
    • Fungi Species Profiles
  • Protists
  • Nature Products Store
  • Cell Phone Ringtones
  • Madbird Feeder Cam
  • Ramblings of the Madbird Biologist
  • Bird Videos
  • News in Science
  • Nature Inspired Recipes
  • An Introduction to Scientific Classification and Naming
  • Birds in the Classroom
  • Resources
  • About Me