Rhododendron calendulaceum
Flame azalea is a shrub native to Appalachian mountain slopes and balds, so named for its showy blooms in various shades of orange and because its flower buds resemble the shape of candle flames. It attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees, and is a particular favorite of bumblebees. Like other local members of the rhododendron genus, all parts of the plant are highly poisonous if ingested. Flowers sometimes appear before the deciduous leaves first display. The Cherokee used boiled twigs and rubbed them on inflamed joints to treat rheumatism, but due to its toxicity flame azalea is not used in modern herbal medicine. From the Native American through modern eras, flame azalea has been primarily enjoyed for its beauty.
Photo credits:
- Flame azalea, Nick Turland, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
- Leaves, JR P, CC BY-NC 2.0
- Flower, Stacy Hodes, CC BY 4.0
