Rhododendron cumberlandense E.L.Braun

Deciduous shrub, to 2 m; young twigs covered with eglandular hairs, rarely glabrous. Leaves (3–)4.5–7(–8.1) × (1.3–)1.8–2.9(–3.5) cm, lower surface glaucous, glabrous or with a few eglandular multicellular hairs. Flower bud scales with outer surface glabrous, margin ciliate at apex, glandular below. Pedicels covered with eglandular hairs rarely with gland-tipped hairs. Flowers with an acrid fragrance, appearing after the leaves have expanded, 3–7, in a shortened raceme; calyx 1–3 mm; corolla red, funnelform, tube expanding abruptly into the limb, 28–50 mm, outer surface densely covered with unicellular hairs and sparsely covered with gland-tipped hairs. Capsule with eglandular hairs. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  United States Cumberland Mountains

Habitat above 900 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H6

Conservation status Least concern (LC)