Rhododendron canescens (Michx.) Sweet

Piedmont Azalea; Mountain Azalea; Honeysuckle Azalea

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Piedmont Azalea is a native shrub in the Heath family (Ericaceae). It occurs throughout Alabama. Piedmont Azalea grows in moist pine or hardwood forests, along streams, and in rocky woods. It is the most common and widespread native azalea in Alabama. It is frequently referred to as a “Bush Honeysuckle”. It is a deciduous multi-trunked shrub up to 18 feet in height. The twigs are pubescent with non-glandular hairs. Leaves are alternate, ovate to obovate in outline, and pubescent with both long and short non-glandular hairs (most noticeable on the lower surface). Flowers are produced from large terminal buds. The inflorescence is 6-19 flowered. Flowers open before or with the emerging leaves. Flowers are funnelform with five spreading lobes. The flowers are pubescent with non-glandular or rarely glandular hairs. Flower color ranges from white to deep pink. The fruit is a capsule with many small seed. Along with the Florida Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum (Small) Rehder), it is the first of our species to flower, often as early as February in the southern portion of the state. Native Azaleas readily form hybrids, and when two or more species occur in the same area with similar flowering times you can expect to find hybrids. Native Azaleas make an excellent addition to the home landscape and rival their Asiatic cousins for their beauty. These plants are shallow rooted and large plants do not transplant well, especially when they are in flower. All of the species and many of the hybrids are readily available through local nurseries and through mail order. A list of some nurseries that carry these plants in Alabama and adjacent states can be found on the Azalea Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society’s page at http://www.rhododendron.org/nurserysearch.asp. All of our native azaleas do best in moist, acidic, loamy soil. They flower best in areas that receive partial sun, but need some shade during the summer.--A. Diamond

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Native FACW- (NWPL)

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