Rhododendron carolinianum Rehder; R. cuthbertii Small; R. punctatum Andrews

Shrubs compact to straggling, branches not rigidly ascending. Leaves: petiole (5-)6-20 mm; blade 2.5-13 × 1-5.5 cm, apex usually acute or acuminate, secondary veins usually not depressed. Corollas 15-35 mm.

Flowering spring. Woods and mountain balds, moist slopes, streamsides, rocky cliffs and ridges; 50-1700 m; Ala., Ga., N.C., S.C., Tenn.