Rhododendron albiflorum

White Rhododendron

White Rhododendron
aka Cascade Azalea. Rhodies are such common ornamental shrubs in the Pacific Northwest that it can be a surprise – and a pleasure – to see them in the wild. This is the only reported species in the Park but is fairly abundant. The shrub can grow to over 6′ (2 m) and is deciduous unlike many of the evergreen shrubs in the Heath Family. The leaves and the creamy-white cup-shaped flowers, less than 1″ broad, grow in whorls. Usually found in meadows, open slopes, as well as in moist forests to 7,000′ elevation.

Family:

Ericaceae - HEATH FAMILY

Genus:

Rhododendron from Greek rhodon 'rose' and dendron 'tree'

Species:

albiflorum means 'white-flowered'
Photo location: Nachess Loop Trail, Crystal Peak Trail and Summerland.