Rhododendron canadense
Rhododendron canadense | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Genus: | Rhododendron |
Species: | R. canadense
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Binomial name | |
Rhododendron canadense | |
Synonyms | |
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Rhododendron canadense, the rhodora[1] or Canada rosebay,[2] is a deciduous flowering shrub that is native to northeastern North America.
Classification
Today's botanists consider the rhodora to be a distant relative of the other North American members of its genus, but the difference in floral structure did lead 19th century taxonomists to assign the plant its own genus Rhodora. Its closest relative is Rhododendron vaseyi from the Appalachian Mountains, which differs in having seven stamens.[clarification needed] DNA sequencing shows that R. vaseyi is not related to R. canadense, but more to R. albrechtii.[3]
Description
It reaches a mature height of 0.5–1.2 m (approximately 1–3 feet). In early spring, it produces pinkish-purple
Distribution and habitat
The wild distribution of the rhodora begins at its easternmost extreme in Canada in
Culture
For a long time, the species was regarded as a botanical icon of New England. The
Rhodora is also the name of the
References
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rhododendron canadense". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
- ^ "Rhododendron canadense". Go Botany. Native Plant Trust.
- ISBN 87-987381-0-0.