Rhododendron austrinum

flameazaleafull
(Photo by Phillip Rustin)

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Taxonomy (1)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Ericaceae
Common name: Flame Azalea

General Information (1,2)

Region of Origin: North America
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Growth Habit: Shrub

  • Size: 8-15 feet
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Deciduous
  • Flowering: Mid to late spring

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Elliptic to oblong
  • Other: Pubescent

flameazalealeaf
(Photo by Phillip Rustin)

Stem/Bark (2)

  • Color: Reddish brown

flameazaleabark
(Photo by Phillip Rustin)

Flower (1,2)

  • Color: Yellow, orange, red
  • Size: 1 inch

flameazaleaflower
(Photo by Phillip Rusin)

Horticultural Information (2)

  • Light: Partial shade
  • Soil type: Humus
  • pH: 4.5-6
  • Landscape Uses: Near buildings
  • Other: Light trimming required; avoid windy areas, heavy clay, sand

Interesting Facts (3)

  • Rhododendron species are toxic

References

1) Dirr, M. (1990). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (4th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub..
2) Galle, F. C. (1987). Azaleas (Rev. and enl. ed.). Portland, Or.: Timber Press.
3) Capon, B. (2010). Botany for Gardeners. Timber Press, Inc. p. 118

Prepared by Phillip Rustin as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek