Rhododendron occidentale   Western Azalea Ericaceae

  Rhododendron occidentale   Rhododendron occidentale

  Shrub. Native to California, deciduous unlike most rhododendrons. Reaches 10'. Alternate leaf arrangement, medium green on top of leaf. Glossy foliage, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 1 1/4 to 3 1/2" long. New growth is so tight that it looks whorled. Creamy white to pale pink funnel-shaped flowers. Likes full sun.

Photos taken in native plant area at Strybing.