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Vick, Albert F. W.
Rhododendron canadense (L.) Torr.
Rhodora
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonyms: Rhodora canadensis, Azalea canadensis
USDA Symbol: RHCA6
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Rhodora is a rather scrawny, erect-branched shrub that seldom grows over 3-4 ft. tall. Oval leaves are hairy underneath and distinctly gray-green. The principal beauty lies in the showy clusters of rose-purple flowers occuring in terminal clusters. The flowers are different from other member of the genus; the 3 upper lobes are almost united to the end and erect, the 2 lower lobes are oblong, divided and spreading. A deciduous shrub with few-flowered terminal clusters of lavender flowers.
This small northern shrub has very showy flowers that open before or with its leaves.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf: Dark Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: CT , MA , ME , NH , NJ , NY , PA , RI , VTCanada: NB , NL , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: Nf. to e. Ont., s. to e. PA & n. NJ
Native Habitat: Swamps; moist, high altitude woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist , Wet
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
CaCO3 Tolerance: None
Soil Description: Cold, wet, acid or peaty soil.
Conditions Comments: Requires a cool climate. Good cultural practices reduce the incidence of disease and insect damage.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: BeesUse Food: done not eat
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
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Columbia silkmoth
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Bumble BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Rhododendron canadense is a larval host and/or nectar source for:|
Columbia silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia)  Larval Host |
Propagation
Description: Sow tiny seeds on peat under mist or a plastic tent.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:LAMTREE FARM - Warrensville, NC
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Bibliography
Bibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Rhododendron canadense in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Rhododendron canadense in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rhododendron canadense
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
