Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Ericales>Ericaceae>Rhododendron periclymenoides (Michx.) Shinners

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) flowers

Also known as Pink Azalea among several other common names, this large azalea is common throughout North Carolina. Formerly known as R. nudiflorum.

Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) flowers

Named for the European Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), the honeysuckle-like flowers are pleasantly fragrant and appear in early spring, generally with or before the leaves.

Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) flowers

The flowers attract nectaring butterflies, such as this Eastern Tiger Swallowtail.

Uwharrie River slopes, Montgomery Co., NC 4/17/2011.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) flowers

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) leaves

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides)

The similar Smooth Azalea (R. arborescens) blooms later, has glabrous young stems, and has sepals greater than 1 mm long (<1 mm for Pinxterflower). Also similar is Rhododendron canescens, which occurs only in the southeastern corner of NC and has densely pubescent leaf undersides.

Chapel Hill, NC 4/14/02.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides)

Granville Co., NC 4/27/03.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) flowers

Typical form is a tall, open shrub.

Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) bark

Bark of a large stem.

Orange Co., NC 4/12/08.

Pinxterflower (Rhododendron periclymenoides) bark

Bark of a smaller stem.

Person Co., NC 4/18/2011.

More information:
Native Azaleas
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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