Common Name

Smooth Azalea

Scientific Name

Rhododendron arborescens

An eastern species of Azalea that has elliptical, relatively wide leaves and flowers that range in color from white to pink and appear in the summer after the leaves. Unlike all other native azaleas, both the underside of the leaves and the twigs of the Smooth Azalea are smooth rather than fuzzy. Height: 5-8’

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Ericales
  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Genus: Rhododendron
  • Species: Rhododendron arborescens
Habitat

Forest, Wetland, Urban

Distribution

Native to the eastern seaboard of the United States.

Seasonality

Spring, Summer, Fall

Abundance

Common

Activity Time

Diurnal

Diet

Behavior

Ecological Role

The Xerces Society denotes the Smooth Azalea as having special value to native Bumble Bees, it also attracts hummingbirds

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Threats & Impacts

Notes