Rhododendron cumberlandense E.L. Braun

Cumberland Azalea; Baker's Flame Azalea

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Cumberland Azalea is a native deciduous shrub in the Azalea family (Ericaceae). It is native to northeastern Alabama. Cumberland Azalea occurs in dry, rocky woods on the tops and slopes of mountains and sometimes on the higher slopes along creeks. It is a deciduous shrub 6-10 feet in height. Plants are often colonial, forming large stands. The bark is smooth and brownish-gray. Young twigs are pubescent with non-glandular hairs. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to obovate in outline, with ciliate margins. The leaves are pubescent with non-glandular hairs and are often glaucous on the lower surface. Flowers are produced in terminal inflorescences of 3-7 flowers on short pedicels. Flowers open after leaves have expanded. The flowers are weakly bilaterally symmetrical, funnel-form, with 5 spreading lobes. The flowers are pubescent with unicellular hairs and scattered stalked glandular hairs on the outer surface. Flower color ranges from deep red to orange, often with an indistinct blotch on the upper lobe. Flowers are not fragrant. The stamens and stigma are long exserted. The fruit is a capsule. Cumberland Azalea is listed as a S2 species in Alabama, and globally as a G4 species. Cumberland 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. Cumberland Azalea is similar to and often confused with the Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum (Michaux) Torrey). It differs from that species by its smaller size, its later flowering time, flowering after the leaves have expanded, eglandular pedicel and sepal margins, and often glaucous leaves.—A. Diamond

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Native S2 (State Rank) G4 (Global Rank)

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