User:Tigeressann/Rhododendron atlanticum

Introduction:

The rhododendron atlanticum is a non-toxic species that is mainly used as a nursery stock product and is only commercially available for contracting purposes. This species has a medium tolerance to drought and fires, and requires cold stratification. The peak growth season for this species is spring and summer. Rhododendron atlanticum produce purple flowers in early spring from brown seeds.

Description:

Rhododendron atlanticum are compact, loosely branched, deciduous shrubs that typically grow to be two to three feet tall at maturity but can grow up to six feet, and are two to three feet wide.

Taxonomy:

Having nine synonyms, the Rhododendron atlanticum is known by many names, it has a homotypic and eight heterotypic names which are as listed below:


 * Azalea atlantica Ashe
 * Azalea atlantica var. luteoalba Coker
 * Azalea neglecta Ashe
 * Rhododendron atlanticum f. confusum Fernald
 * Rhododendron atlanticum f. luteoalbum (Coker) Fernald
 * Rhododendron atlanticum var. luteoalbum (Coker) Rehder
 * Rhododendron atlanticum f. neglectum (Ashe) Rehder
 * Rhododendron atlanticum f. tomolobum Fernald
 * Rhododendron neglectum (Ashe) Ashe

Distribution and Habitat:

Rhododendron atlanticum are found in upland woods, on bluffs, stream banks and open sandy woods. This species ranges from Delaware to Georgia.

Uses:

Rhododendron atlanticum are often used in breeding programs for it's fragrance. This species is often used in landscaping because it's fragrance attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds as well as it being a showy flower.

Hybridization:

There is a species of natural hybrids of Rhododendron that has been found as a response to herbivory from leaf beetles. The two species that create this hybrid are Rhododendron periclymenodies and R. atlanticum. There is another hybrid species of Rhododendron, Candy Lights, that is not natural, but created for aesthetic purposes which uses the R. atlanticum as a parent plant.

Disease Resistance:

Root rot is a disease that hits rhododendrons hard. However, R. atlanticum has been shown to have a high resistance to root rot disease due to the soil biota present.