Rhododendron canescens Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Family – Ericaceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

N/A

Inflorescence:

Flowers:

Tubes of corollas.

Flowering – March – May.

Habitat – Moist wooded slopes, savannahs, swamp forests, stream banks, hammocks.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive species is common throughout Alabama. The plant can be identified by its pubescent leaves (canescent abaxially), densely canescent twigs, and light to dark pink flowers. The corolla tube of the flowers is densely stipitate glandular externally.
The genus name Rhododendron derives from the Greek “rhod(o)” meaning “a rose” and “dendr(o)” meaning “a tree” referring to the beautiful flowers of nearly all these shrubby species.
The species epithet canescens derives from the Latin “canescen” meaning “becoming gray” referring to the dense hairs of the leaves and twigs.

Alabama Distribution:

Photographs taken off India Rd., Opelika, AL., 4-16-05.