Clammy azalea (Rhododendron viscosum, Fl. N. Middle United States 1: 424 (1824))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: (L.) Torr.

Bibliography: Fl. N. Middle United States 1: 424 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhododendron

Vegetable: False

Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Clammy azalea, known scientifically as Rhododendron viscosum, is a captivating species belonging to the Ericaceae family. This plant holds a noteworthy place in the flora of the Northern and Middle United States, specifically chronicled in the 1824 publication Flora of the Northern and Middle United States.

Native to the ecologically rich regions of Eastern and Central United States, Clammy azalea thrives in these locales, contributing significantly to the biodiversity and overall health of the ecosystems. The plant’s adaptation to these areas is a testament to its resilience and its importance in the regional plant community.

Characterized by its delightful and aromatic blossoms, Clammy azalea stands out during the blooming season, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and attracting various pollinators. The flowers typically exhibit a range of hues that can add vibrant colors to natural landscapes and cultivated gardens alike.

Given its distinct beauty and ecological importance, Rhododendron viscosum makes a valuable addition to both wild and managed environments, playing a critical role in supporting local wildlife and enriching human enjoyment of nature.

Common Names

Eng: clammy azalea, swamp azalea, swamp honeysuckle, texas azalea
Swe: sen azalea
En: Clammy azalea, Swamp azalea, Texas azalea, Swamp honeysuckle
Ru: Рододендрон клейкий
Sv: Sen azalea

Synonyms

• Azalea hispida (Pursh)
• Rhododendron coryi (Shinners)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. ornatum ((Sweet) G.Don)
• Azalea viscosa var. glauca (Aiton)
• Azalea viscosa var. pubescens (G.Lodd.)
• Azalea scabra (Bosse)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. nitidum ((Pursh) Voss)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. montanum (Rehder)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. hispidum ((Pursh) Voss)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. glaucum ((Aiton) Torr.)
• Azalea glauca var. hispida ((Pursh) Heynh.)
• Azalea viscosa (L.)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. rubescens ((G.Lodd.) E.H.Wilson & Rehder)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. rhodanthum (Rehder)
• Rhododendron ornatum (Sweet)
• Azalea glauca ((Aiton) Lam.)
• Azalea nitida (Pursh)
• Azalea viscosa var. palustris (Marshall)
• Rhododendron oblongifolium ((Small) Millais)
• Azalea glauca var. spathulata (Dum.Cours.)
• Azalea viscosa var. virens (Michx.)
• Azalea virens ((Michx.) Dum.Cours.)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. tomentosum ((Du Roi ex F.Dietr.) Rehder)
• Azalea oblongifolia (Small)
• Azalea viscida (Christm.)
• Azalea viscosa var. montana ((Rehder) Ashe)
• Anthodendron viscosum ((L.) Rchb.)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. aemulans (Rehder)
• Rhododendron nitidum ((Pursh) Torr.)
• Azalea tomentosa (Du Roi ex F.Dietr.)
• Azalea viscosa alba (C.F.Ludw.)
• Azalea viscosa var. aemulans ((Rehder) Ashe)
• Azalea viscosa var. floribunda (Aiton)
• Azalea glauca var. rosea (H.Jaeger)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. nitidum ((Pursh) A.Gray)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. coerulescens (Rehder)
• Rhododendron viscosum var. hispidum ((Pursh) C.K.Schneid.)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. glaucum ((Lam.) Voss)
• Rhododendron glaucum (G.Don)
• Rhododendron viscosum f. roseum (Hollick)
• Azalea viscosa var. tomentosa ((Du Roi ex F.Dietr.) Dum.Cours.)
• Azalea viscosa var. nitida ((Pursh) A.Gray)
• Azalea viscosa var. scabra (Dum.Cours.)
• Azalea viscosa var. rubescens (G.Lodd.)
• Azalea viscosa var. hispida ((Pursh) Hook.)
• Rhododendron serrulatum ((Small) Millais)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Jun 26, 2020 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Virginie BABILLON (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2020 by Luke Luke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 9, 2013 by EOL − Kelly O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Tina Christina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Dr Bullit (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 17, 2020 by Matthias Foellmer (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jan 24, 2014 by EOL − Anita (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2010 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Slide Library (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2010 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Slide Library (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2010 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Slide Library (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2010 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Slide Library (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2010 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Slide Library (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30006889-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2883059)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron viscosum (L.) Torr.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.0