The Great Laurel.
Rhododendron maximum, Willd. Sp. Pl. vol. ii. p. 600.—Pursh, Flor. Amer. vol. i. p. 297.—Decandria monogynia, Linn.—Rhododendra, Juss.
This beautiful species frequently attains a height of 15 or even 20 feet. It is characterised by its oblong, acute leaves, its terminal umbels or clusters of pink campanulate flowers, the divisions of the calyces of which are oval and obtuse. It exhibits several varieties depending on the shape of the leaves, the colour of the flowers, and the comparative length of the stamens and style. The wood, which is tough and stubborn, is well adapted for turner's work. The species is found on all the moist declivities of our mountainous districts, from Carolina to Massachusetts.