Rhododendron vaseyi

Introduction

Rhododendron vaseyi, the rare Pinkshell azalea, is one of the first species to bloom in the spring. Its delicate pink to white flowers are typically flat-faced, about 1.5 to 2.25 inches across, and have some prominent spotting in the throat.

Discovered by George Vasey in 1878, this native azalea has a relatively restricted natural habitat in four mountainous counties of North Carolina. Growing at elevations of 3000 to 5500 feet, plants can be seen in bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway in early spring.

R. vaseyi makes an excellent garden plant, and can be purchased plants from number of commercial sources. Please, never take plants from the wild.


Distribution Map

Plants in the Wild

#003


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#004


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#005


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#006


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#007


Avery Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)


Variations in Flower Form

#008


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#009


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#010


Yancey Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#011


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
#012


Transylvania Co., NC (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Acknowledgement:
The following images are reproduced by permission from color slides taken by the Species Study Group of the Middle Atlantic Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society. The slides are numbered, and correspond to the sequence used in the program Eastern Native Azalea Species presented by George K. McLellan at the East Coast Regional Conference of the ARS in November 1999.

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East Coast Native Azaleas
R. vaseyi
R. canadense
R. canescens
R. austrinum
R. flammeum
R. periclymenoides
R. alabamense
R. atlanticum
R. calendulaceum
R. prinophyllum
R. viscosum
R. arborescens
R. cumberlandense
R. prunifolium
R. eastmanii

Identifying the Native Azaleas
INTRO
WHITE
PINK
ORANGE