Quick answer: Mountain azalea (Rhododendron canescens) is native to 9 states. What's commonly sold under this name is often a bred variety or the wrong species — see the lookalike alert below. It's typically live plant, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Moist-Wet |
| Soil | Moist, acid soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Apr |
| Height | Up to 15 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies, special value to bumble bees, all parts highly toxic |
All parts highly toxic, may be fatal if eaten. Honey from flowers may also be toxic. Symptoms: salivation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, difficult breathing, progressive paralysis. Toxic principle: andromedotoxin
none noted (forms large colonies and hybridizes readily with other species in genus)
Lookalike alert
Cultivar ('Darlin's Dream', listing also inconsistently calls it 'Summer Eyelet'); live plant, In Stock, $29.99, no reviews — live-verified. ⚠ Note 15 Sep 2026: current listing is the 'Darlin's Dream' cultivar, not wild-type — flagged, species correct.
Sold as: Live plant via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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