About Rhododendron canadense (L.) Torr.
Rhododendron canadense (L.) Torr. reaches a mature height of 0.5–1.2 m (approximately 1–3 feet). In early spring, it produces clusters of 2–6 pinkish-purple flowers. Each flower is 2–3 cm (approximately 1 inch) in diameter, with a five-lobed purple corolla. This species has unusual traits compared to other Rhododendron genus species found in northeastern North America. Most regional rhododendrons have tubular flowers with 5 stamens each, while R. canadense has 10 stamens contained within a zygomorphic corolla. Its leaves emerge only after the flowers have finished blooming and wilted. The leaves are narrow oval in shape, 2–6 cm long and 1–2 cm broad. When not in flower, the plant can still be identified by its distinctive 1–1.2 cm long orange-brown seed cases. Wild populations of this rhodora extend from its easternmost extreme in Newfoundland, Canada, west into eastern Ontario, and south into the United States. It is most famously associated with New England, and also occurs naturally in New York, New Jersey, and at high altitudes in the Appalachian Mountains as far south as Pennsylvania. It grows best in the moist, acidic soils of bogs, swamps, and woodland clearings.
