Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Ericales>Ericaceae>Rhododendron canescens (Michaux) Sweet

Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

This azalea goes by myriad common names, including in no particular order: Piedmont Azalea, Mountain Azalea, Wild Azalea, Southern Pinxterflower, Southern Pinxterbloom Azalea, Florida Pinxter Azalea, Florida Honeysuckle, Honeysuckle Azalea, Sweet Azalea, Swamp Azalea, Hoary Azalea, and more - more by far than any other plant species I'm aware of! In North Carolina it's uncommon to rare. South of NC it is more common, in places the most common species.

Planted specimen, Duke Gardens, Durham, NC 4/3/2012.

Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

The white flowers appear with the leaves in early spring.

Planted specimen, Duke Gardens, Durham, NC 4/3/2012.

Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

Leaves are similar to those of other azaleas.

Planted specimen, Duke Gardens, Durham, NC 4/3/2012.

Piedmont Azalea (Rhododendron canescens)

Bark is also similar to that of other azaleas.

Planted specimen, Duke Gardens, Durham, NC 4/3/2012.

More information:
Floridata
Native Azaleas
USDA PLANTS database
Wildflower.org

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