WESTERN AZALEA
Family: Ericaceae
Pronounced: roe-doe-DEN-dron ok-sih-den-TAH-lee
This is found in thickets around moist areas, seepages and creek sides in the mountains and foothills along the Pacific coast of southwest Oregon to southern California.
Ethnobotany
The Western azalea was used as decorations in dance wreaths by the Pomo and Kashaya tribes people in California. The Modesse people used it as an antidote to poisoning. (Do not use as a remedy, call your local poison control center or 911 in case of poisoning.)
For gardening information about this plant visit Rainy Side Gardener's Growing Guide.
All photos and article copyright 2009.
Debbie Teashon
Photographed at the Rhododendron Species Foundation Garden, Federal Way, Washington.