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NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Rhododendron vaseyi

Pinkshell Azalea

Scientific Name:

Rhododendron vaseyi

Genus:

Rhododendron

Species Epithet:

vaseyi

Common Name:

Pinkshell Azalea

Plant Type

Shrub

Life Cycle

Perennial

Plant Family

Ericaceae (Heath Family)

Native/Alien:

NC Native

Invasive Status:

(*Key)

Size:

3-6 ft., 6-12 ft.

Bloom Color(s):

Pink

Light:

Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day

Soil Moisture:

Dry, Moist

Bloom Time:

May, June

Growing Area:

Mountains

Habitat Description:

Moist slopes, bogs, high elevation rocky summits, cliffs, high elevation heath balds (usually over 4000’). An NC endemic, and rare in the NC mountains.

Leaf Arrangement:

Alternate

Leaf Retention:

Deciduous

Leaf Type:

Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like

Leaf Form:

Simple

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Wildlife Value:

Important for Wildlife

Landscape Value:

Highly Recommended and Available

State Rank:

S3: Vulnerable (*Key)

Global Rank:

G3 - Vulnerable (*Key)

State Status:

SR-L: Significantly Rare: Limited, Endemic (*Key)

Notes:

Stunning large pink flowers with from 5 to 7 protruding stamens. Nice fall color.

Pinkshell Azalea blossoms along the Blue Ridge Parkway in mid-May near Graveyard Fields west of Asheville.

Transylvania County, NC

The Scientific Name is Rhododendron vaseyi. You will likely hear them called Pinkshell Azalea. This picture shows the Pinkshell Azalea blossoms along the Blue Ridge Parkway in mid-May near Graveyard Fields west of Asheville. of Rhododendron vaseyi

Will Stuart

Rhododendron vaseyi is is full bloom before leaves emerge.

Transylvania County, NC

The Scientific Name is Rhododendron vaseyi. You will likely hear them called Pinkshell Azalea. This picture shows the Rhododendron vaseyi is is full bloom before leaves emerge. of Rhododendron vaseyi

Will Stuart

Rhododendron vaseyi blossom detail. Note the leaves just about to unfold.

Transylvania County, NC

The Scientific Name is Rhododendron vaseyi. You will likely hear them called Pinkshell Azalea. This picture shows the Rhododendron vaseyi blossom detail.  Note the leaves just about to unfold. of Rhododendron vaseyi

Will Stuart

Links:

USDA PLANTS Database Record

https://auth1.dpr.ncparks.gov/flora/species_account.php
 

https://nc.audubon.org/conservation/bird-friendly-communities/bird-friendly-native-plants
 

https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/rhododendron-vaseyi/
 

https://www.rhododendron.org/descriptionS_new.asp?ID=214
 



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