Early Azalea(Rhododendron prinophyllum) 

Plant Characteristics

Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

Azaleas do well in full sun or part shade (about four hours of sun). Planted in full sun, azaleas will be more compact and floriferous. When planted in part shade, they will stretch toward the sunlight and form a more graceful habit; flowers will not be as plentiful but will last longer


Growth Habit/Description:

Early azalea or roseshell azalea is usually a 6-12 ft. tall and wide, multi-stemmed shrub, with picturesque, ascending branching. Funnel-shaped, light pink or purplish flowers with protruding stamens occur in large clusters, appearing before or with the leaves.


Bloom Season:

The early group starts to flower in late winter to early spring, roughly from February to April. Midseason is comprised of late spring and early summer, or May and June. And the late or fall group flowers from midsummer and into fall, or mid-July to October.

Winter and/or Fall Interest? 

No.

Distrubution

Habitat:

Azaleas are woodland plants, and do well in light or dappled shade, plentiful moisture with good drainage, and humus-rich acidic soil.

Native to Arkansas? Yes.

Native to Garland County? Yes.

Endemic to Arkansas? No.

Ecological Value

Host Plant for Caterpillars? 

Yes. Azaleas are the primary host for the azalea caterpillar.

Other Known Ecologigal Value? 

Yes. The most common pollinators seen on native azaleas appear to be butterflies and various species of bumblebees. Honey bees and wasps play a minor role. Wind pollination can occur but appears to be negligible on native azaleas.

Other Interesting Facts

Origin of Name: 

Azalea is of Greek origin and means "dry."  The floral name chosen by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the eighteenth century was because the colorful blooms thrived in well-drained, sandy soil.

Related Species: 

Alabamense (Alabama Azalea), albiflorum (Cascade Azalea), arborescens (Sweet Azalea), atlanticum (Coastal Azalea), austrinum (Florida Azalea), calendulaceum (Flame Azalea), canadense (Rhodora Azalea), canescens (Piedmont Azalea), and colemanii (Red Hills Azalea).

Use For Food/Medicine:

The flowers are analgesic, anesthetic and sedative. They are applied externally in the treatment of arthritis, caries, itch, maggots and traumatic injuries. The root is used in the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism and traumatic injuries. The entire azalea plant is toxic to both dogs and cats, but it will also make horses, goats, and sheep sick. Eating just a few leaves could cause vomiting and diarrhea, and the long-term effects could be serious. So, if you have pets, pass on azaleas.