Rhododendron austrinum (Small) Rehder

Florida Azalea; Orange Azalea; Florida Flame Azalea

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Florida Azalea is a native deciduous shrub in the Azalea family (Ericaceae). It is native to the southern third of Alabama. Florida Azalea occurs in moist pine flatwoods, along streams and creeks, in moist Longleaf pine forests, and around bogs. It is a large shrub reaching 15 feet in height. The bark is smooth and brownish-gray. Young twigs are glandular pubescent. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to obovate in outline, with ciliate margins. The leaves are pubescent and have multicellular glandular hairs. Leaves turn yellow to brown before falling in the autumn. Flowers are produced in terminal inflorescences of 9-25 flowers on short pedicels. Flowers open before or with the unfolding of the new leaves. The flowers are weakly bilaterally symmetrical, funnelform, with 5 spreading lobes. The flowers are glandular pubescent, orange to yellow in color, and fragrant. The stamens and stigma are long exserted. The fruit is a capsule. Florida Azalea is listed as a S2/S3 species in Alabama (S2 - Typically 6 to 20 occurrences, few remaining individuals, acres, or miles of stream, or factors demonstrably making it very vulnerable in the state. S3 - Typically 21 to 100 occurrences, limited acreage, or miles of stream in the state.), and globally as a G3 species (Imperiled globally because of rarity (6 - 20 occurrences, or few remaining acres, or miles of stream) or very vulnerable to extinction throughout its range because of other factors). Florida Azalea is a popular ornamental species and is available from many nurseries. It prefers a location receiving some sun with a moist, organic rich soil. Plants can also be grown from seed or by separating clones. Several selections have been developed by the nursery trade along with numerous hybrids with other species.--A. Diamond

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Native S2S3 (State Rank) G3 (Global Rank)

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