White-flower rhododendron (Rhododendron albiflorum, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 43 (1834))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: Hook.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 43 (1834)

Year: 1834

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhododendron

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to NW. U.S.A.

Description

The White-flower rhododendron, officially known as Rhododendron albiflorum, is a remarkable species within the vast and diverse Ericaceae family. First documented in the early 19th century by renowned botanist William Jackson Hooker, this species retains a distinguished status in the annals of botanical literature, particularly marked by its mention in “Flora Boreali-Americana” in 1834.

Endemic to the picturesque and wild regions of Western Canada and the Northwestern United States, the White-flower rhododendron thrives in these often rugged and pristine landscapes. It marks its presence from the mountainous terrains of Canada, stretching down through the moist, temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, an area famed for its biodiversity and natural beauty.

Characterized by its striking white blooms, Rhododendron albiflorum stands out amid the lush green of its native habitats. The white flowers are not only a visual delight but also play a vital role in local ecosystems, supporting various pollinators. This perennial shrub typically grows in subalpine to alpine zones, where its preference for cooler, humid climate conditions can be met. It often establishes itself in well-drained soils, thriving in areas where it can receive ample sunlight, although it is also capable of enduring the partial shade provided by surrounding flora.

The White-flower rhododendron is more than just a part of the floral tapestry; it is a species that represents the resilience and enduring beauty of the natural environments it inhabits. For botanists, ecologists, and nature enthusiasts, it stands as a symbol of the delicate, often unseen interactions that sustain our planet’s diverse ecosystems. Whether encountered on a rugged hike through a mountainous trail or studied in detailed botanical research, Rhododendron albiflorum continues to fascinate and inspire with its elegant simplicity and ecological significance.

Common Names

Eng: cascade azalea, white rhododendron, white-flower rhododendron, white-flowered rhododendron, white rosebay
Fra: rhododendron à fleurs blanches, azalée blanche
En: White-flower rhododendron, White rhododendron, Cascade azalea, White-flowered rhododendron, White rosebay
Fr: Rhododendron à fleurs blanches, Azalée blanche

Synonyms

• Rhododendron albiflorum f. poikilon (J.K.Henry)
• Azaleastrum albiflorum subsp. warrenii ((A.Nelson) W.A.Weber)
• Cladothamnus campanulatus (Greene)
• Azaleastrum warrenii (A.Nelson)
• Rhododendron warrenii ((A.Nelson) J.F.Macbr.)
• Rhododendron albiflorum var. warrenii ((A.Nelson) M.A.Lane)
• Azalea albiflora ((Hook.) Kuntze)
• Azaleastrum albiflorum ((Hook.) Beck & Abel)
• Rhododendron albiflorum f. plenum (Rehder)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Washington (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 24, 2020 by Victor L (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 30, 2012 by EOL − John Brew (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Bailey Dirk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Bailey Dirk (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Haley Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 25, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 10, 2022 by c n (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Haley Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 9, 2021 by Haley Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by jimmysong (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2014 by EOL − Wendy Feltham (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 15, 2015 by EOL − Wendy Feltham (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 25, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 1999 by EOL − William R. Hewlett (cc-by-nc-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 25, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2883078)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:331901-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron albiflorum Hook.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.5

Ph minimum: 4.5