Alpine azalea facts for kids
The alpine azalea (Kalmia procumbens), also called trailing azalea, is a small shrub found in the high mountains of the Northern Hemisphere. It usually grows to be no more than 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) tall. This plant was first named by a famous scientist named Linnaeus.
Quick facts for kids Alpine azalea |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Kalmia
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| Species: |
procumbens
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| Synonyms | |
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Azalea procumbens L. |
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Where Does It Grow?
The alpine azalea grows in many places, even though it is not very well known. You can find these plants in very cold, subarctic areas. They also grow in the high mountains across the northern part of the world. In North America, they grow as far south as the mountains of Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington.
Its Mountain Home
This plant loves rocky, open places high up in the mountains. It grows above the treeline, where trees cannot grow. It can also be found in wet, spongy areas called bogs at lower elevations.
What Does It Look Like?
The alpine azalea is a small shrub. It has pretty rose-pink flowers, usually two to five on each plant. Its leaves grow in pairs and stay green all year round. They are tough and leathery, about 8 millimeters (0.3 inches) long. The edges of the leaves are slightly curled under. The top of the leaf is green, and the underside is white with tiny hairs.
Flowers and Fruit
The flowers of the alpine azalea are shaped like bells. They have five parts and five stamens (the parts that make pollen). These flowers bloom in the late spring and summer. After the flowers, the plant produces small fruits.
See also
In Spanish: Kalmia procumbens para niños
