Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torrey. Sweet Azalea, Smooth Azalea, Smooth Honeysuckle. Phen: Late May-Jul; Jul-Oct. Hab: Rocky riversides, wooded stream banks, swamps, high elevation forests, shrub balds. Dist: 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, K1, K3, K4, Pa, RAB, Tn, Va, W, WV, Horn (2019), Kron (1993), Luteyn et al (1996); = Azalea arborescens Pursh – S; = n/a – Tat; > Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torr. var. arborescens – Wilson & Rehder (1921); > Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torr. var. richardsonii Rehder – Wilson & Rehder (1921)
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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