Wikimedia Commons
Ericaceae
Coast Rhododendron
Rhododendron macrophyllum
Natural grandeur.
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Genus
- Rhododendron
- Native to
- Pacific Coast of North America
- Bloom season
- Late Spring, Summer
- Type
- shrub
- Height
- 6-20 ft
- Sunlight
- part shade
- Soil
- acidic, humus-rich, moist, well-drained
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- 7-9
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- Coast rhododendron is the state flower of Washington, adopted in 1892 before Washington women even had the right to vote.
- The species name 'macrophyllum' means large-leaved, and its leathery evergreen leaves can reach 8 inches long.
- In its native Pacific Northwest forests, it can form dense understory thickets beneath towering Douglas firs.
- The plant can live for over 100 years and some specimens in old-growth forests may be much older.
- All parts of the plant are toxic; honey made from the nectar can cause 'mad honey' poisoning.
Color meanings
0
caution
1
elegance
2
abundance