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Ericaceae
Rhododendron

not marked as a favorite taxon 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.

Glossary (beta!)

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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image #1 of Rhododendron arborescens© Alan Cressler: rhododendron arborescens (with a pink blush) north chickamauga creek chickamauga gulch hamilton co tn 2 by Alan Cressler source | Original Image ⭷
image #2 of Rhododendron arborescens© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
image #3 of Rhododendron arborescens© John French | Original Image ⭷
image #4 of Rhododendron arborescens© John French | Original Image ⭷
image #5 of Rhododendron arborescens© Alan M. Cressler | Original Image ⭷
image #6 of Rhododendron arborescens© Gary P. Fleming | Original Image ⭷
image #7 of Rhododendron arborescens© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷
image #8 of Rhododendron arborescens© Edwin Bridges | Original Image ⭷

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Horticultural Information

NCBG trait

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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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