Family: Azalea
Season: spring

Last Update: 14May98

(26-May-96; Michigan Hollow)

Swamp Apple
Swamp Azalea

A fairly common native azalea. Prefer moist but well-drained, rich forest soils where enough sunlight leaks through, such forest cuts and, particularily, rims of cliffs and gorges. Pink azalea flower with curved-up stamens. Pale green, slightly hairy leaves that can be uniquely indentified all summer. Fragence is light, flowery and sweet, not unlike apple or honeysuckle, but far more cloying. I often first locate them by scent. One of mom's favorites.