Plant Family: Ericaceae
Growth Form: Large colonial shrub, potentially up to 10 meters tall, but usually shorter.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, oblong, evergreen, large, up to 25 cm long, dark green above, often covered with soft hairs beneath.
Bark: Reddish brown, peeling off in thin scales.
Flowers: White, tinged with rose or purple, with five petals, greenish on the inside of the upper petals, held in large attractive clusters at the branch ends; appearing late June into July.
Fruits: Dry, brown, five-part pods, that split open and remain well into winter.
Habitat: Low woods, wetland margins, along streams, also on drier hillsides and mountain slopes, especially south of New England.
Range: Uncommon to rare in all New England states, the few existing colonies are well-known, but widespread, and are often contained within state parks or nature preserves. It is most abundant in the southern Appalachian region.
Key Features: The greenish markings on the upper flower petal and the very large leaves will identify Rosebay Rhododendron.
Comments: Rosebay Rhododendron is a clonal species that spreads by layering, when lateral shoots contact the ground and take root.
