Plants > Poisonous Plants > Rhododendron spp.

Rhododendron spp.

This plant has poison characteristics. See below.

Common Name(s):

Rhododendron, azalea

Category:

Comment:

Woody, evergreen or deciduous shrubs in the Ericaceae family.

Wildlife Value: Flowers attract humingbirds. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Rhododendrons are susceptible to insect and disease problems. Insect problems include aphids, borers, lacebugs, leafhoppers, mealybugs, mites, nematodes, scale, thrips and whitefly. Diseases include canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scortch the leaves and the roots rot if soil does not drain well. A healthy plant in the right place with proper maintenance should have few problems. This plant is frequently damaged by deer.

Family:

Ericaceae

Origin:

USA, NC, Asia

Distribution:

Throughout

Poison Part:

All parts.

Poison Delivery Mode:

Ingestion.

Symptoms:

Salivation, watering of eyes and nose, abdominal pain, loss of energy, depression, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis of arms and legs, coma.

Toxic Principle:

Andromedotoxin

Severity:

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Found in:

Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as cultivated woody shrub; forest or natural area.

Tags:

woody, showy flowers, deciduous, bees, nectar, pollinator, specialized bees, native bees, evergreen