Rhododendron hirsutum, commonly known as the hairy alpenrose is one of the species of Rhododendron native to the mountains of Europe. It occurs widely in the Alps except for the southwestern region (approximately south and west of the Matterhorn), and has become naturalised in parts of the Carpathians. It grows on carbonate-rich soils, whereas its close relative R. ferrugineum grows on acid soils; where the two occur together, they frequently produce the hybrid Rhododendron × intermedium.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
Toxic. The note covers its whole genus. Grayanotoxins in leaves, flowers and nectar (mad honey) Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Rhododendron kotschyi — toxic
- Rhododendron ferrugineum — considered toxic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Ericales
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Genus
- Rhododendron
- Species
- Rhododendron hirsutum
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