Rhododendron catawbiense aka Catawba Rhododendron

Rhododendron catawbiense, commonly known as Catawba rosebay, Catawba rhododendron, mountain rosebay, purple ivy, purple laurel, purple rhododendron, red laurel, or rosebay laurel, is a species of Rhododendron native to the eastern United States. It predominantly grows in the southern Appalachian Mountains, spanning from Virginia to northern Alabama. This medium to large evergreen shrub has a dense habit and glossy dark green leaves that are ovate and can grow up to 15cm long. From late spring to early summer, it produces large clusters of bell-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, and sometimes white. This hardy species is tolerant to sun and serves as a parent to many frost-hardy hybrids. The flowers, which have green to yellow-brown throat markings, attract butterflies and provide nectar for them. The plant's gray-brown bark develops fine scales as it ages, and it forms dense thickets that offer shelter and nesting sites for birds and wildlife. The species is named after the Catawba River and is an important contributor to the creation of numerous hardy hybrids.