Tennessee Native Plant Society
Native Plant of the Month
January, 2007
Flame Azalea
Rhododendron calendulaceum
This mountain shrub sports amazingly brilliant yellow to deep orange flower clusters that are favorites of
wildflower enthusiasts. The colorful flowers have also made it a mainstay in hybridization programs of
commercial horticulturists. Normally growing as isolated individuals or small groups of plants, these shrubs
can reach heights of 10 feet. Each flower is 2 inches across and they occur in clusters of 4-7 blossoms at the
ends of the branches as the leaves are unfurling.
The genus Rhododendron is divided into two groups; "azaleas" which are deciduous and "rhododendrons"
which are evergreen. This species is deciduous as implicated by the common name. In late April and early
May, this beautiful wildflower can be found blooming in the mountains of East Tennessee, always making an
unforgettable impact on those lucky enough to see a showy specimen.
