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Guide

Mature size:
Height:
6-10 feet (2-3 m).
Width:
6-10 feet (2-3 m).

Flowering period:
May to June.

Flowering attributes:
After leaves emerge, trusses come with 6 to 12 funnel-shaped, highly fragrant, creamy-white or pink flowers, with golden or rose blotches. Flowers open from rose-pink buds.

Leaf attributes:
Deciduous, 1-3 inches long, elliptic or oblong-lanceolate, glossy green, with underside pubescent. During fall, leaves will turn yellow, scarlet or crimson.

Plant Index

Rhododendron occidentale

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.

Photographed at the Rhododendron Species Foundation Garden, Federal Way, Washington.