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Catawba Rhododendron
Rhododendron catawbiense
In the United States:
Native
· also called Catawba rosebay, mountain rosebay, purple rhododendron
Honeybees forage on Catawba rhododendron for nectar and pollen during its late spring bloom, but the flowers contain grayanotoxins that can cause toxicity in bees if overconsumed. Peak bloom typically hits in May in temperate zones, offering a short window of lavender-purple flowers in terminal clusters. As an evergreen shrub, it thrives in acidic, moist soils under partial shade and may need wind protection in exposed sites.
| Nectar | low |
|---|---|
| Pollen | low |
| Bloom (US) | April–June |
| Type | Perennial |
| Sun | partial |