Rhododendron viscosum
Swamp Azalea
General
This species blooms after most other azaleas and does well in wet areas. The word Rhododendron comes from the Greek for “rose-tree” and viscosum means “sticky”, which refers to the sticky glands on the flowers.
Plant Description
Deciduous shrub with alternate leaves, clustered at the ends of branches. Leaves are glossy above, hairy underneath, with entire margins. Flowers are usually white with sticky glands.
Height (ft)
3-12
Spread (ft)
3-12
Soil moisture
Can withstand periodic flooding, but not prolonged flooding
Soil types
Acidic soils that are organic, mineral, or a combination of both
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Tolerant, prefers partial to full shade
Bloom color
White to pink
Bloom period
Summer
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
Medium
Drought tolerance
Medium
Salinity tolerance
None
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Northeastern and southern United States, north to southern Maine, south to Florida, and west to eastern Texas.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]