Pinxter Azalea
Rhododendron periclymenoides
native
Other Name:
Pinxter Flower, Pink Azalea
Pinxter Azalea is a native deciduous shrub found in most of Virginia. Many Pinxter Azaleas grow on the north half of the ridge at Monticello Park, and you can see them during the spring bird migration. The name has no connection to the lovely pink flowers; it comes from a Dutch word for the Pentecost (the seventh Sunday after Easter), which is when they were likely to bloom. It is in the genus Rhododendron, which means "rose tree". As with many of the azalea cultivars in the same genus, all parts of Pinxter Azaleas are toxic to humans. However, hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies are attracted to the flowers.
Identification Tools
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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden
iNaturalist
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