Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torrey. Common name: Sweet Azalea, Smooth Azalea, Smooth Honeysuckle. Phenology: Late May-Jul; Jul-Oct. Habitat: Rocky riversides, wooded stream banks, swamps, high elevation forests, shrub balds. Distribution: Primarily Appalachian: ne. PA and se. KY south to sc. NC, w. SC, c. GA, and c. AL.
ID notes: "The flowers are white and roseate, and their odor may be perceived at a great distance; this being the most powerfully fragrant of our Honeysuckles" (Curtis 1883).
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Synonymy ⓘ: = C, F, FNA8, G, K4, Pa, RAB, Tn, Va, W, WV, Horn (2019), Kron (1993), Luteyn et al (1996); = Azalea arborescens Pursh — S, S13; = n/a — Tat; > Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torr. var. arborescens — Wilson & Rehder (1921); > Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torr. var. richardsonii Rehder — Wilson & Rehder (1921). Basionym: Azalea arborescens Pursh 1814
Links to other floras: = Rhododendron arborescens - FNA8
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FAC
- Northcentral & Northeast: FAC
Heliophily ⓘ: 6
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© Alan Cressler: rhododendron arborescens (with a pink blush) north chickamauga creek chickamauga gulch hamilton co tn 2 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Alan M. Cressler | Original Image ⭷
© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷
© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷Feedback
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Height: 8-12 ft.
plant sale text: Smooth azalea is the latest blooming of the spring native azaleas. White to light-pink flowers with striking red stamens emerge in June. The flowers beckon to pollinators with their fragrance. Foliage turns deep red to purple in fall extending. It has a loosely branched form that spreads as wide as it is tall. Be sure to plant it in a moist and shaded location as while fast growing it does not tolerate droughty conditions well. The Rhododendron genus supports up to 50 lepidoptera species.
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native range: Eastern United States
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