BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Rhododendron calendulaceum | Flame Azalea 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Flame azalea is a native, deciduous, erect, much-branched shrub that
grows to 10 feet (3 m) in height.  Its morphology and phenology are
highly variable [28].  The fruit is a capsule [8,20,29].  Rhododendrons
(Rhododendron spp.) have a diffuse shallow root system [22].  Flame
azalea is not rhizomatous [8].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Phanerophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Rhododendron fruits split along the sides soon after ripening and
release many small seeds which are disseminated short distances by
wind.  Moist mineral soil or a short moss seedbed is required for
seedling establishment [9,16].

Rhododendrons sprout from the root crown when top-killed [9].

Propagation techniques from cuttings are described [5,23].  Day-night
temperatures and durations for maximizing flame azalea seedling growth
are reported [12].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Flame azalea occurs on south- and west-facing slopes of mountainous
sites.  It occurs on submesic to subxeric sites at lower elevations and
on submesic sites at elevations above 5,000 feet (1,500 m) [26].
Adequate humidity and soil moisture are required.  Rhododendrons grow
best on acidic soils from pH 4.5 to 5.5 [4].


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Facultative Seral Species

Flame azalea is intermediate in shade tolerance.  It grows well in the
indirect light of open woods but declines as forests mature and canopies
close [13].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Flame azalea flowers in late April and May at lower elevations and in
June and early July at higher elevations [28].  Flowers appear before or
with the leaves and last several weeks.  Fruit matures July through
September [2,8,20,29].

Related categories for Species: Rhododendron calendulaceum | Flame Azalea