About Rhododendron vaseyi A.Gray
Rhododendron vaseyi A.Gray is a deciduous shrub that can reach up to 5 metres (16 ft) in height. Its large pink flowers start blooming in April. This species is endemic to scattered locations across the Appalachian highlands of North Carolina. Its main distribution center lies west of Asheville, and a large population also grows on Grandfather Mountain, in the northwestern corner of the state. In the wild, Rhododendron vaseyi grows in acidic, moist to wet substrates located near bogs and streams. It can grow alongside other Rhododendron species, including Rhododendron maximum. The forest understory where it grows hosts many other ericaceous plants, such as Vaccinium spp. and Leucothoe fontanesiana. This species is frequently found in forest areas that have been recently cleared by logging operations.
