Flame azalea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhododendron calendulaceum |
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| Rhododendron calendulaceum at Craggy Gardens, North Carolina | |
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Pentanthera
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Pentanthera
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R. calendulaceum
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| Rhododendron calendulaceum (Michx.) Torr.
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The flame azalea (scientific name: Rhododendron calendulaceum) is a beautiful flowering shrub. It is native to the eastern parts of North America. This plant is known for its bright, fiery orange flowers that look like flames, which is how it got its common name. It's important to know that all parts of the flame azalea are not safe for people to eat.
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What Does It Look Like?
The flame azalea is a deciduous shrub, meaning it loses its leaves every autumn. These plants can grow quite tall, usually between 120 and 450 centimeters (about 4 to 15 feet).
Its leaves are simple and measure about 3 to 7 centimeters long. They are a slightly dull green on top. The leaves usually grow one after another along the stem. However, they can sometimes look like they are growing in a circle near the branch tips.
Its Fiery Flowers
The flowers are the most striking part of the flame azalea. Each flower is about 4 to 5 centimeters long. They are usually a bright orange color, but their shades can vary. You might see them in soft pastel orange or even a deep reddish-orange.
These flowers do not have a strong smell. They have 4 or 5 petals and grow in groups of 5 to 10 flowers. The flame azalea typically blooms in late May and early June, bringing a burst of color to the landscape.
Where Does It Grow?
This type of Rhododendron naturally grows in the Appalachian Mountains. This mountain range stretches across the eastern United States. You can find it from southern Pennsylvania and Ohio all the way down to northern Georgia.
Historically, it was also found in New York and Maryland. However, it's not clear if it still grows there naturally today. Sometimes, you might see it growing in places where people have changed the environment. It usually grows in forests where different kinds of deciduous trees are mixed together.
Growing Flame Azaleas
The flame azalea is a very popular plant to grow in gardens. People love it mainly because of its amazing, colorful flowers. There are many different types of flame azaleas that gardeners have developed. These are called cultivars or domestic varieties.
Some popular types include:
- Chattooga
- Cherokee
- Golden Sunset Flame
- Golden Yellow Flame
- Smokey Mountaineer
- Wahsega
The flame azalea is also important for creating new kinds of hybrid azaleas. These are plants made by crossing two different types of azaleas. Some well-known hybrid azaleas that use the flame azalea as a parent include:
- Ghent
- Knap Hill
- Maid in the Shade
- Mollis
- Northern Lights
Images for kids
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'Mandarin Red' Flowers (cultivar)
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Rhododendron calendulaceum by Ellis Rowan, 1901
See also
In Spanish: Rhododendron calendulaceum para niños
