Rosebay Rhododendron, also known as Greal Laurel or Great Rhododendron is a multi-trunked small tree or large shrub that is very common in the understory forests of slopes in the Mountain and upper Piedmont regions of North Carolina. It tends to grow at intermediate elevations, while the Catawba Rhododendron (Rhododendron catawbiense) is more common higher and lower - on mountain peaks as well as in the lower Piedmont.

Carroll Co., VA 6/26/05.

Rosebay Rhododendron blooms in early summer, later than Catawba. Flower color ranges from pink to white - this one is at the white extreme.

Alleghany Co., NC 7/3/05.

The flower buds are pinker than the opened flowers.

The leaves are large, leathery, and evergreen, similar to Catawba Rhododendron but narrower. When the temperature is below freezing, the leaves droop, regaining their angle as the sun warms them up.

Carroll Co., VA 6/26/05.

Rhododendrons frequently form impenetrably dense thickets, locally known as "laurel hells".

Carroll Co., VA 10/16/06.