Great Rhododendron

Also known as Great Laurel, Rosebay Rhododendron, American Rhododendron, Big Rhododendron

Great rhododendrons form dense evergreen thickets, known colloquially as rhododendron slicks or hells, that dominate the understory of cool Appalachian ravines and mountain streams. In summer, broad clusters of delicate white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers bloom against large, leathery dark green leaves that curl inward and droop tightly during freezing winter temperatures to reduce moisture loss. By shading the forest floor and acidifying the soil with deep leaf litter, these sprawling shrubs fundamentally shape the microclimate and structure of eastern hemlock and mixed hardwood ecosystems.