Rhodora
Rhododendron canadense
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ericaceae
- Genus:
- Rhododendron
- Species:
- Rhododendron canadense
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr, may
- Bloom Colors:
- Pink, Purple
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Ancylis rhoderana, Argyrotaenia repertana, Caloptilia rhodorella, Chain-lined geometer moth (Cingilia catenaria), Columbia silk moth (Hyalophora columbia), Epinotia septemberana, Eupithecia russeliata, False Crocus Geometer (Xanthotype urticaria), Hydria undulata, Ortholepis rhodorella, Polia purpurissata, white triangle tortrix (Clepsis persicana)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus), Two-spotted bumble bee (Bombus bimaculatus)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, acidic, peaty or sandy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 5.5 (strongly acidic)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool, boggy areas in native habitat
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds may require light for germination.
Source: OpenAI GPT-4o