PlantWatch

Rhodora (Rhododendron canadense)

Photo by Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Gardens

French name: rhododendron du Canada
Bloom time: May to June
Report for: NB, NS, PEI, NF

General: A common small shrub that covers bogs and other swampy areas with a carpet of purple blossoms, rhodora is a member of the heath family.

Leaves & Twigs: The shrubs are a tangle of grey-shaded branches and twigs, except for a rare green variety in parts of Nova Scotia. The small hairy leaves unfold in June.

Flowers & Fruit: The deep purple flowers occur in clusters of two-to-three flowers, and appear before the leaves. Flowers have rose-purple petals and long stamens. In the Atlantic provinces, there is also a very rare form with white flowers.

Habitat: Prefers bogs and swampy areas.

Sampling: Tag a typical shrub for observation.

To Observe:

• First bloom: when the first flowers are open on the observed shrub (three places)
• Mid bloom when 50% of the flowers are open on the observed shrub