rhododendron

Everyday

1. A large bush with big leathery green leaves that stay all year and big bunches of bright flowers, often pink, purple, red or white. tree →
2. (UK) In some places it is a weed that spreads and shades out native plants. tree →

In the lessons

In science and nature lessons it is an example of an evergreen flowering shrub. In parks and gardens it blooms in spring. Safety: its leaves and flowers are poisonous if eaten, to people and pets. Its name is Greek for «rose tree». Phrases: «rhododendron bush», «rhododendron flowers».

Examples

• The rhododendron in the park is covered in pink flowers. tree →
• Bees visit the rhododendron in spring. tree →
• Do not eat rhododendron leaves; they are poisonous. tree →
• Wild rhododendron is spreading in the Scottish woods. tree →
• The rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal. tree →
• We hid behind the big rhododendron during hide-and-seek. tree →

Note

Hard spelling: r-h-o-d-o-d-e-n-d-r-o-n, with a silent «h» after the first «r». Pronounced «roh-duh-DEN-drun». Plural: rhododendrons. Azaleas are close relatives.