Pacific rhododendron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pacific rhododendron |
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| In the Olympic Peninsula, Washington | |
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Hymenanthes
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Pontica
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| Species: |
R. macrophyllum
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhododendron macrophyllum D.Don ex G.Don 1834
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Rhododendron californicum Hook. |
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The Rhododendron macrophyllum, often called the Pacific rhododendron, is a beautiful plant with large leaves. It's also known by other names like California rosebay or coast rhododendron. This plant is native to the Pacific Coast of North America. It holds a special place as the state flower of Washington.
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What is the Pacific Rhododendron?
The Pacific rhododendron is an evergreen shrub, which means its leaves stay green all year round. It can grow quite tall, from about 6 to 30 feet (2 to 9 meters). Its leaves are large, usually 7 to 23 centimeters (3 to 9 inches) long and 3 to 7 centimeters (1 to 3 inches) wide. These leaves stay on the plant for 2 to 3 years.
Flowers of the Pacific Rhododendron
The flowers of the Pacific rhododendron are typically pink and have five parts. Each flower is about 2.8 to 4 centimeters (1 to 1.5 inches) long. Sometimes, you might see them in different colors too!
Where Does the Pacific Rhododendron Grow?
This plant grows along the Pacific Coast of North America. You can find it as far north as British Columbia in Canada. Its range extends south all the way to Monterey Bay in California.
Natural Habitats
The Pacific rhododendron is very common in the Coast Mountains and Cascade Range. It is found less often in the coastal mountains of Washington and northern Oregon. However, it becomes more common south of the Siuslaw River in Oregon. While it mostly grows near the coast, it can also be found further inland in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia.
What Kind of Habitat Does it Like?
Like many rhododendrons, the Pacific rhododendron loves places where the land has been changed. This includes areas like roadside embankments or wildlands that have recently had trees removed. You can also find these plants growing high up in the mountains.
History and Study
The Pacific rhododendron was first discovered by a person named Archibald Menzies in May 1792. He found it growing near what is now Port Discovery, Washington, while exploring with George Vancouver. Seeds of this plant were sent to England in 1850.
Modern Research
Today, the Pacific rhododendron is a main focus for a group called the Western North American Rhododendron Species Project (WNARSP). This group is part of the Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden in Federal Way, Washington. They are carefully studying and recording where all the western North American rhododendron species grow and what different forms they have.
Is the Pacific Rhododendron Poisonous?
Yes, the Pacific rhododendron contains a substance called andromedotoxin. This substance can make the honey from nearby beehives poisonous. So, it's important to be careful around this plant, especially if you are near beehives.
