Rhododendron arborescens

Rhododendron arborescens is a shrub native predominantly to the Appalachians. It is found on stream banks, swamp edges, and other moist-wet sites. It prefers to grow in full sun to part shade. This plant is a host for several native butterfly and moth species, and provides a food source to birds. It has showy and fragrant pale pink flowers that bloom in the late spring and draw butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Rhododendron arborescens is great as a specimen plant in a rain garden.