Rhododendron japonicum, the Japanese azalea, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to Japan. A deciduous shrub reaching 8 ft (2.4 m) but usually half that, it is found in grasslands and open scrub, never in dense thickets or woodlands. It is very similar to the Chinese endemic Rhododendron molle, to the extent that its cultivars are customarily grouped with the cultivars of R. molle.
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 kaempferi — toxic
- Rhododendron cumberlandense — toxic
- Rhododendron molle — toxic
- Rhododendron simsii — toxic
- Rhododendron calendulaceum — toxic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Ericales
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Genus
- Rhododendron
- Species
- Rhododendron japonicum
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo