Rhododendron viscosum (L.) Torr.

Swamp Azalea; Clammy Azalea

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Swamp Azalea is a native deciduous shrub in the Heath family (Ericaceae). It is native to most of the state. Swamp Azalea occurs in swamps, in bogs, in seeps, in wet flatwoods, and on mountain top balds. It is a colonial rhizomatous shrub from 1-5 feet in height. The bark is smooth and gray in color. Young twigs are reddish-brown in color and pubescent. Leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to obovate in outline, and pubescent with non-glandular hairs. The leaves are dark green above and light green below. The leaves are ciliate along the margins with hairs that curl under the margin of the leaf. Leaves turn yellow in the autumn before falling. Flowers are produced from terminal buds on last season’s shoots. There are 3-8 white, fragrant flowers per inflorescence. The flowers are produced in the summer, well after the leaves have matured. Individual flowers are funnelform with 5 spreading lobes. The corolla tube and outer surface of the corolla are densely pubescent with stalked glands. The stamens and style are long exserted. The buds are often tinged light pink. The fruit is a glandular pubescent capsule. Swamp Azalea is available from some nurseries. It prefers a moist, organic rich soil. Swamp Azalea can tolerate considerable shade and still flower.—A. Diamond

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Native FACW+ (NWPL) G5 (Global Rank)

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