Rhododendron
rhododendron
Occurs on moist, well drained sites in the sun or shade, found on the west side of the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada Mountains from British California to southern California. Elevation range from seal level to 4,500 feet (Randall et al 1988).
An evergreen shrub to 12’ tall. Leaves are persistent, 3” to 6” long and elliptical to oblong. Thick and leathery; dark green and smooth above and paler below, margins entire. Flowers rose purple, occasionally white, 1” to 1 1/2 long in round loose clusters. Fruit 1/2” long and brown in color. Stem is stout and green eventually turning greyish reddish brown (Randall et al 1988).
Courtesy USDA Plants Database