Rhododendron alabamense
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- rho-doh-DEN-dron al-uh-bam-EN-see
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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Woody, evergreen or deciduous shrub in the Ericaceae family. It has white flowers with a prominent lemon-yellow blotch on the upper petal, and a distinct lemon fragrance. The Alabama Azalea grows in drier woodlands than most of our other native azaleas. Spreads by underground runners; native to Alabama and Georgia; drought tolerant.
Wildlife Value: Tolerates damage by rabbits. 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 includ canker, crown rot, root rot, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. Full sun can scorch 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.
Poison Part: All parts.
Poison Delivery Mode: Ingestion
Severity: HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!
Found in: Houseplant or interiorscape; landscape as cultivated woody shrub; forest or natural area.
For suitable alternatives, see this video created by Charlotte Glen as part of the Plants, Pests, and Pathogens series.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- alabamense
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Alabama and Georgia
- Wildlife Value:
- Tolerates damage by rabbits. Members of the genus Rhododendron support the following specialized bee: Andrena (Andrena) cornelli.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Rounded
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Description:
- Large floppy white flowers with yellow blotches in spring; strong lemon scent
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Smooth
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Alternate, simple, smooth or toothed margined dark green leaves
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Problems:
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
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Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- High
- Poison 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, cardiac failure, coma.
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Andromedotoxin, Grayantoxin
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- No
- Poison Part:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Sap/Juice
- Seeds
- Stems
