Littrell II, Ken
Rhododendron arborescens (Pursh) Torr.
Smooth azalea, Sweet azalea
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Smooth azalea is a large, loosely-branched
shrub, 8-12 ft. tall with an equal spread. Glossy, bright-green,
deciduous foliage lacks hairs beneath like other
native azaleas. Foliage turns deep red to purple in fall. Fragrant, funnel-shaped, white or pink-tinged flowers with protruding, red
stamens cluster in subtle groups of 3 to 6 after the leaves appear.
Sweet Azalea is tall and fast-growing for a
native azalea. It is one of the hardiest
native white azaleas, and one of the last azaleas to bloom in the spring. Drought sensitive, it requires moist, partially shaded sites.
Image Gallery:
4 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf: Dark Green
Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 12-36 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AL , GA , KY , MD , MS , NY , NC , PA , SC , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: Mountains of NY & PA to KY, s. to AL & LA
Native Habitat: Swamp forests; mt. bogs & stream banks; piedmont
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: Sweet azalea is tall and fast-growing for a
native azalea. It is one of the hardiest
native white azaleas, and one of the last azaleas to bloom in the spring. Drought sensitive, it requires moist, partially shaded sites.
Benefit
Warning: Rhododendrons contain poisonous substances and should not be ingested by humans or animals. Honey made from flowers also may be toxic. POISONOUS PARTS: All parts. Highly Toxic, May be Fatal if eaten. Symptoms include salivation, watering of eyes and nose, abdominal pain, loss of energy, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma. Toxic Principle: Andromedotoxin. (Poisonous Plants of N.C.)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Last Update: 2012-08-11
