Rhododendron macrophyllum (Pacific Rhododendron)

Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is the native rhododendron of the West Coast, and the state flower of Washington. It grows in Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and coastal-forest understory from southwest British Columbia south through Washington and Oregon to northwest California, forming slow, broad evergreen shrubs under tall conifer shade.

In May and June, large trusses of flared pink to rose-purple flowers, occasionally near-white, open in the filtered forest light. Bumblebees are the primary pollinators; Rufous and Anna's hummingbirds work the trusses for nectar. Once flowering is done, the evergreen leathery foliage provides cover and structure for forest songbirds year-round.

NAEB records decorative and ceremonial use of the flowers by Pomo and Kashaya Pomo communities. Like other members of the heath family (Rhododendron, Kalmia, Pieris), all parts of the plant, including nectar and any honey derived from it, contain grayanotoxins. This also makes the species reliably deer-resistant.

Habit: broad evergreen shrub, 4 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide, with leathery deep-green leaves. Prefers dappled Douglas-fir forest shade, acidic well-drained leafy soil, and consistent summer moisture. Mulch with conifer duff. Hardy Zone 6 to 9; coastal tolerant. Companions for a native shade understory: Polystichum munitum, Vaccinium parvifolium, Gaultheria shallon, Oxalis oregana.

Caution: Leaves, flowers, and nectar are toxic to livestock and to pets that chew foliage. Site accordingly in grazing settings.