Quick answer: Catawba rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense) is native to 7 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: NPS Photo, Wikimedia Commons (PD)
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
| Soil | Various well-drained, acidic |
| Bloom | Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Special value to bumble bees |
All parts highly toxic and potentially fatal if ingested (andromedotoxin); symptoms: salivation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, progressive paralysis; honey from flowers may also be toxic
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Also listed under
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