American Rhododendron; Great Laurel ( Rhodo¬ 
dendron maximum) is a large, tall and very ornamental 
shrub growing from 5 to 35 feet high. It is one of the 
most characteristic shrubs of the Allegheny Mountain 
region, where it grows in such profusion as to form al¬ 
most impenetrable thickets. As it is a very hardy shrub 
and not injured by transplanting, it is very often used 
for decorative effects in parks and about private dwell¬ 
ings. 
The oblong leaves are deep, glossy green, tough and 
leathery in texture and have a smooth, slightly rolled- 
under edge. They droop in the winter season but are 
wide spread in summer. 
At the ends of the numerous branches, during June 
and July, are showy clusters of pink or white flowers. 
Each blossom spreads nearly two inches and is com¬ 
posed of five, broad, blunt-ended petals of a pink-white 
color, spotted with golden-orange. They have ten spread¬ 
ing stamens and a small pistil. 
Rhododendron is found in rich, hilly or mountainous 
woods, commonly from Pa. to Ga. but rarely north¬ 
wards to Ontario and Nova Scotia. 
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