Rhododendron periclymenoides (Michaux) Shinners. Common name: Wild Azalea, Pinxterflower, Pinxterbloom Azalea, Election Pink. Phenology: Late Mar-May; Sep-Oct. Habitat: Moist to dry slopes and streambanks. Distribution: Fairly widespread in e. United States, ranging from MA, NY, and s. OH, south to GA and AL.
Origin/Endemic status: Native
Taxonomy Comments: See Shinners (1962) for explanation of the change from the name R. nudiflorum.
Synonymy ⓘ: = C, FNA8, Il, K1, K3, K4, NE, NY, Pa, Tn, Va, W, Horn (2019), Kron (1993), Luteyn et al (1996); = Azalea nudiflora L. – S; = Rhododendron nudiflorum (L.) Torr. – F, G, GW2, RAB, WV; > Rhododendron nudiflorum (L.) Torr. var. glandiferum (Porter) Rehder – Tat, Wilson & Rehder (1921); > Rhododendron nudiflorum (L.) Torr. var. nudiflorum – Tat, Wilson & Rehder (1921)
Links to other floras: = Rhododendron periclymenoides - FNA8
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FAC
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FAC
- Midwest: FAC
- Northcentral & Northeast: FAC
Heliophily ⓘ: 5
Hover over a shape, letter, icon, or arrow on the map for definition or see the legend.









Feedback
See something wrong or missing on about Rhododendron periclymenoides? Let us know here: (Please include your name and email if at all complicated so we can clarify if needed.) We greatly appreciate feedback, and will include updates from you in our next webapp update, which can take a few months.
Horticultural Information
Intro:
Stems:
Leaves:
Inforescence:
Flowers:
Fruits:
Comments:
Height: 4-6 ft.
plant sale text: Pinxter-flower is present all along the East coast and is the most common native azalea in our area. It blooms in shades of pink early in the spring before leafing out. The lovely flowers are wonderful in a woodland garden, but it also works well in a number of landscape situations. When choosing a site, keep in mind that like many other rhododendrons, it requires well-drained soil. Light shade is ideal as a hot, sunny site will be stressful for this species. The genus Rhododendron supports up to 50 lepidoptera species.
bloom table text:
description:
stems:
leaves:
inflorescence:
flowers:
fruits:
comments:
cultural notes:
germination code:
native range: eastern United States