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Rhododendron oblongifolium
Rhododendron oblongifolium (Small) Millais
Texas Azalea
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: RHOB
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
A spreading shrub to 6 ft. with distinctly obovate leaves and fragrant, trumpet-shaped, pure white flowers occuring 7-12 together after the leaves.
Related to R. viscosum. Some taxonomists argue that it is not a distinct species.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 6 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AR , LA , OK , TXNative Distribution: E. TX & OK
Native Habitat: Sandy woods; sandy stream banks; sandy bog margins.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Acidic (pH<6.8)
Soil Description: Well-drained, sandy soil.
Conditions Comments: Related to R. serrulatum and R. viscosum. Some taxonomists argue that it is not a distinct species.
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Bumble BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Combine seeds loosely with sphagnum moss and sprinkle lightly over a 2:1 perlite/peat mixture. Optimum temperatures for germination are 45-50 degrees. Transplant seedlings to acid soil with a high content of organic matter. Cultivated evergreen azaleasSeed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
Commercially Avail: yes
Bibliography
Bibref 1620 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (Reprint Edition) (2009) Wasowski, S. with A. WasowskiSearch More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterWebref 1 - Texas Native Shrubs (2002) Texas A&M University Agriculture Program and Leslie Finical, Dallas Arboretum
Additional resources
USDA: Find Rhododendron oblongifolium in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Rhododendron oblongifolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rhododendron oblongifolium
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-20Research By: TWC Staff