Loading profile. Please wait . . .
Rhododendron prunifolium (Small) Millais
Plumleaf Azalea
Federal Protection: No US federal protection
State Protection: Threatened
Global Rank: G3
State Rank: S3
Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: Yes
SWAP 2015 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes
SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes
2025 SGCN Priority Tier: Moderate Conservation Concern
Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 37
Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: Mesic hardwood forests in ravines and on sandy, seepy streambanks
Shrub up to 20 (6 m) feet tall with hairless twigs. Its leaves are 1 - 4.3 inches (3 - 11 cm) long, 1 - 2 inches (0.4 - 5 cm) wide, alternate, deciduous, oval with pointed tips and tapering bases; leaf surfaces are mostly hairless or with a few scattered glandular hairs; leaf margins are entire and have long hairs; the leaf stalks are very short and hairy. The flowers are 1.4 - 2 inches (3.6 - 5.3 cm) long, orange to red, nearly hairless, funnel-shaped with 5 spreading petals and 5 long, showy stamens; not fragrant. Fruits are pointed, elongated capsules, 0.7 - 1 inch (1.7 - 2.2 cm) long, covered with short, pointed hairs.
Two other species of red- or orange-flowered wild azaleas occur in Georgia's Coastal Plain: Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) and Oconee Azalea (Rhododendron flammeum). They both flower April–May and have hairy twigs and leaves. Both species are rare or vulnerable throughout their ranges.
Florida Flame Azalea (Rhododendron austrinum) occurs on river bluffs and stream banks in southwest Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. For more information, see: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250065647
Oconee Azalea (Rhododendron flammeum) occurs in several counties in the lower Piedmont and upper Coastal Plain in Georgia and South Carolina. Both species are rare or imperiled throughout their ranges. For more information, see: http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=250065646
Moist hardwood forests in ravines, usually with Beech, Spruce Pine, and Southern Magnolia, and on wet, sandy stream banks.
Although capable of sprouting from roots, Plumleaf Azalea reproduces primarily by seed; it does not form thickets or colonies. As with most azaleas, its flowers are pollinated by bees and butterflies which are attracted to the nectar produced at the base of the flower (the flowers are odorless); the brilliant color of Plumleaf Azalea flowers also attract hummingbirds. Its seeds are tiny and have minute wings which may facilitate wind dispersal.
Surveys are best conducted during flowering (July–August).
Georgia and southeastern Alabama.
Logging and other clearing of hardwood slopes. Plant poaching.
| Threat 1 | Threat 2 | Threat 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Threat | Biological resource use | Human intrusions & disturbance | Natural system modifications |
| Specific Threat | None | None | None |
Rhododendron prunifolium is ranked S3 by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, indicating that it is rare and vulnerable in Georgia. It is listed as Threatened by the State of Georgia. Although 40 populations have been documented in Georgia, only three have been confirmed in the last 30 years. The handful of populations that occur in state parks have been protected but most are unprotected on private land.
Avoid logging, clearing, and other mechanical disturbance on hardwood slopes. Safeguard location information and prosecute plant poachers.
Chafin, L.G. 2007. Field guide to the rare plants of Georgia. State Botanical Garden of Georgia and University of Georgia Press, Athens.
Chappell, M., C. Robacker, and T.M. Jenkins. 2008. Genetic diversity of seven deciduous azalea species (Rhododendron spp. section Pentanthera) native to the eastern United States. Journal of the American Society of Horticultural Science 133(3): 374-382.
Foote, L.E. and S.B. Jones, Jr. 1989. Native shrubs and woody vines of the southeast. Timber Press, Portland, Oregon.
Godfrey, R.K. 1988. Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida and adjacent Georgia and Alabama. University of Georgia Press, Athens.
Judd, W.S. and K.A. Kron. 2009. Rhododendron prunifolium species account. Flora of North America, vol. 8. Oxford University Press, New York. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=128386
Kron, K.A. 1993. A revision of Rhododendron section Pentanthera. Edinburgh Journal of Botany 50(3) 249-364. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/edinburgh-journal-of-botany/article/revision-of-rhododendron-section-pentanthera/A40DEF7330E0FEB4A49665AA362B1C8B
NatureServe. 2019. Rhododendron prunifolium comprehensive report. NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Rhododendron+prunifolium
Patrick, T.S., J.R. Allison, and G.A. Krakow. 1995. Protected plants of Georgia. Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Natural Heritage Program, Social Circle.
Weakley, A.S. 2008. Flora of the Carolinas, Virginia, Georgia, northern Florida, and surrounding areas. University of North Carolina Herbarium, Chapel Hill. http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/flora.htm
Linda G. Chafin
L. Chafin, Jul.2008: original account
K. Owers, Feb. 2010: added pictures
L. Chafin, Apr. 2020: updated original account.
