6/14/18
[rl_gallery id=”30998″]
(Sautee)- -Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum / . Also called “Rosebay Rhododendron” and also “The Great Laurel”.)
–
-The white-to-pink flowers begin to appear in early-to-mid June and continue well into July in damp, moist wetland areas of the forest. The plant itself is an evergreen and at maturity may be as short as 5 or 6 ft. and may reach a height of 35 ft.
–
-The hard wood of the trunk and stems was used for tool handles and ornaments by Native Americans and early settlers. The thick evergreen canopy provides excellent escape cover for bears, deers, rabbits, grouse and turkeys. It has had little use in folk medicine as its leaves contain very toxic substances.
–
-Excellent specimens are in found in shaded woods, especially along or near streams. Very large, full specimens are found along Duke’s Creek in Smithgall Woods, the Dukes Creek Trail and the Raven Cliffs-Dodd Creek Trail. (Photo& Notes by Bill Kinsland & Katie Greaney)
