Catawba rhododendron Ericaceae Rhododendron catawbiense

Leaf:Alternate (appears whorled at the ends of branches), evergreen, simple, pinnately veined, entire, elliptical, 3 to 6 inches long, dark green above, light green to whitish below.
Flower:Showy, deep pinkish-purple, funnel shaped, occurring in large (5 or more inches across) round clusters, appearing in late spring.
Fruit:Many tiny seeds borne in a long stemmed, red-brown, 5-parted capsule, 1/2 inch long, maturing in fall.
Twig:Stout, smooth or slightly pubescent, yellowish green, vegetative buds small, flower buds are large and egg-shaped.
Bark:Thin, light grayish brown, becoming finely scaly with age.
Form:A large shrub, 6 to 10 feet in height, equal spread, heavy dense foliage to the ground, becomes more open with age.

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