Rhododendron calendulaceum, the flame azalea,[1] is a species of Rhododendron native to North America. All parts of this plant are poisonous to humans.[2]
![]() | This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (October 2021) |
Flame azalea | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Rhododendron calendulaceum at Craggy Gardens, North Carolina | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Genus: | Rhododendron |
Subgenus: | Pentanthera |
Section: | Pentanthera |
Species: | R. calendulaceum |
Binomial name | |
Rhododendron calendulaceum (Michx.) Torr. | |
It is a deciduous shrub, 120–450 cm tall. The leaves are simple, 3–7 cm long, slightly dull green above and villous below. The arrangement is generally alternate, however they appear whorled towards the tips of the branches.
The flowers are 4–5 cm long, usually bright orange, but can vary from pastel orange to dark reddish-orange. These non-fragrant flowers have 4-5 lobes and grow in clusters of 5–10. It typically blooms in late May and early June.[3][4]
This species of Rhododendron is native to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States, ranging from southern Pennsylvania and Ohio to northern Georgia. It has been reported historically in New York and Maryland, however its current native status in these states is undetermined.[5] However, it can occur as an introduced species in anthropogenic habitats. It occurs naturally in mixed deciduous forests.
The flame azalea is a popular cultivated plant, primarily due to its showy flowers. Many cultivars and domestic varieties exist, including:
It is also an important parent species in hybrid Azaleas, such as:
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link){{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (link)Taxon identifiers | |
---|---|
Rhododendron calendulaceum |
|
Azalea calendulacea |
|