Rhododendron

Rhododendron, genus of mostly evergreen shrubs (family Ericaceae) found mainly in forests of the arctic and north temperate zones. They bear leathery dark-green leaves and, in late spring, masses of fragrant blossom. North American species include the great rhododendron, also known as great laurel or rosebay (R. maximum), and the mountain rosebay (R. catawbiense).