Quick answer: Catawba rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense) is native to 8 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 directory 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.
Quick answers about Catawba rosebay
Where is Catawba rosebay native?
Catawba rosebay (Rhododendron catawbiense) is native to Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Catawba rosebay bloom?
Catawba rosebay blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Catawba rosebay need?
Light: Shade. Soil: Various well-drained, acidic. Mature height: Up to 20 ft.
Is Catawba rosebay good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to bumble bees.
Is Catawba rosebay deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Catawba rosebay is tolerates shade.
Is Catawba rosebay toxic?
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.
Where can I buy Catawba rosebay?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Rhododendron catawbiense by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Catawba rosebay.
- American wisteria Wisteria frutescens
- Sourwood Oxydendrum arboreum
- Southern crabapple Malus angustifolia
- Smooth azalea Rhododendron arborescens
- Blackhaw Viburnum prunifolium
- Great laurel Rhododendron maximum
Also listed under
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