Ericaceae

Rhododendron occidentale

Western Azalea

Erect, deciduous, densely branched bush. Slender twigs reddish. Leaves thin, 2–4 in., upper surface green with small hairs on edges and no sunken midvein. Flowers very fragrant, showy, in terminal clusters. Buds usually deeply colored on outside, pink, salmon, or yellow. Open flowers white tinted with pink, salmon or yellow, with large yellow spot at base of upper petal and protruding curved stamens. Grows in seeps, edges of streams, fens and wet places in coniferous forests.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Late Spring, Early Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 4--15 feet
• Habitat: Coastal, Vernal Wet, West-Side Forest, Bog/Fen/Wetland
• Found In: Siskiyous
• Native: Yes