velvety leaves

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Rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) is one of the most prevalent plants in the Great Smoky Mountains. The new foliage is beginning to appear at mid-level elevations. Unlike the mature glossy, dark green leaves, the nascent foliage is soft and velvety, covered with down-like substance called tomentum. It gives them a powdered sugar look.

Henry David Thoreau was duly fond of the shrub but it wasn't native to his Concord. In fact, he noted their introduction—at 25 cents each—into his neighborhood in his journal. I have no idea if they are still there.

Thoreau wrote: “Saturday. The date of the introduction of the Rhododendron maximum into Concord is worth preserving, May 16th, 1853. They were small plants, one to four feet high, some with large flower-buds, twenty-five cents apiece; and I noticed the next day one or more in every front yard on each side of the street, and the inhabitants out watering them.”

- Photo taken on the trail to Groto Falls in the Great Smokies

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