Dwarf azalea

Dwarf azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) is a shrub native to the lower 48 states of the United States and found in the state of Maryland; it may or may not be native to Maryland.USDA Plants Database, 
== Identification ==
Its foliage is typically dark green and has conspicuous fall interest. It has purple flowers which appear in early spring.
It grows at moderate speed in a colonializing fashion to a height of about 2.3 feet with roots at least 12 inches deep, and has a lifespan over 250 years. It will readily resprout even if cut down to the ground.
== Cultivation ==
The USDA believes this plant to be available only to contractors. It is suitable for growing in a nursery. It is propagated by the following methods: bare root, container, cuttings, seed. Seeds will be more successful if cold stratification is used. Typically, this plant will seed itself at a slow rate, and new seedlings will have a low chance of success compared to other plants of this type.
Soil preferences: coarse soil, pH 4.2-5.7, low fertilizer. Provide high moisture. This plant has no salinity tolerance and medium drought tolerance. It tolerates shade.
== Uses and Relationships ==
If you're seeking to provide forage to wildlife, this plant is of medium value.
== More Information ==
The initial draft of this article was automatically generated from the Rhododendron atlanticum profile in the USDA Plants Database. The Biota of North America Program (BONAP) may or may not have a page for this genus with detailed range maps. (BONAP range maps are copyrighted and should not be placed directly on our wiki.)
== References ==
Category:Rhododendron Category:Native shrubs Category:North American natives Category:Purple-flowered natives Category:Early Spring blooming natives Category:Natives with dark green foliage Category:Natives with conspicuous fall foliage Category:Moderate-growing natives Category:Spreading natives Category:Self-seeding natives Category:Natives between 1 and 3 feet tall Category:Shade-tolerant natives Category:High moisture demand natives Category:Drought tolerant natives Category:USDA native stubs