Rhododendron catawbiense
This plant has poison characteristics. See below.
- Common Name(s):
- Catawba rhododendron, Mountain rosebay, Purple rhododendron
- Categories:
- Native Plants, Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
- Comment:
Large leathery dark green leaves; spread of 8 to 10'; often becomes leggy when grown in unfavorable conditions; native to Appalachian mountains.
Wildlife Value: This plant is frequently damaged by deer.
- Height:
- 6-10 ft.
- Foliage:
- Large, leathery, alternate, simple, smooth or toothed margins, glossy dark green leaves; 3 to 6 in. long; may develop yellow-green winter color
- Flower:
- 5 to 6 in. umbel of lilac-purple to pale lavender-pink tubular flowers in mid-spring; green or yellow-brown markings in throat, fruit an elongated capsule
- Zones:
- 4-8
- Habit:
- Evergreen
- Site:
- Morning sun to high bright shade; moist, well-drained soil; grows best in mountain conditions, cooler temperatures
- Texture:
- Medium to coarse
- Form:
- Dense, wide spreading shrub
- Exposure:
- Sun to high bright shade; moist, well drained soil
- Fruit:
- Capsule
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Origin:
- Appalachian mountains
- Distribution:
- Native to southern Appalachian mountains, from Virginia through Georgia
- Poison Part:
- All parts.
- Poison Delivery Mode:
- Ingestion
- Symptoms:
- Salivation, watering of eyes and nose, abdominal pain, loss of energy, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma.
- Toxic Principle:
- Andromedotoxin
- Severity:
- HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!
- Found in:
- Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as cultivated woody shrub; forest or natural area.
- Width:
- 8-10 ft.
NCCES plant id: 534
