Similar Species: These Azaleas also bloom in spring before the leaves are fully developed.

Pinxter Flower or Pink Azalea, officially Shinners pink azalea (Rhododendron periclymenoides) formerly R. Nudiflorum is very similar. Its flowers tend to be less fragrant and the leaves are hairy along the midrib on the underside. It is found both in upland woods and in swamps or bogs.

Early, Hoary or Mountain Azalea, officially Millais Early Azalea (Rhododendron prinophyllum) formerly R. Roseum is also very similar. The flowers are fragrant and the flower tube is shorter. The leaves are covered with soft hairs.

Dwarf Azalea (Rhododendron atlanticum) Has white or sometimes purple or pink flowers. It is low growing generally less than 60cm (2'). It is found in sandy soil generally near the coast from Virginia to Georgia.

See also the orange flowered Flame Azalea, Rhododendron calendulaceum

The following species bloom later (late spring or early summer) after the leaves mature. They tend to be white but may be pink.

Swamp Azalea AKA Clammy Azalea or Swamp Honeysuckle (Rhododendron viscosum) is found in swamps and has a hairy midrib on the under side of the leaf and the flowers have sticky hairs.

Smooth Azalea (Rhododendron arborescens) is similar to Swamp Azalea. The leaves have no hairs on the underside. It tends to be found in moist woods and along streams.

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One of the best general guides to wildflowers of the North Eastern and North Central United States. Newcomb's key is an excellent, simple method for identifying plants. Newcomb has drawings for almost every plant mentioned that are excellent aids to identifying the species. Though only the more common plants are covered this is often the first book I pick up when trying to identify a wildflower.

Wildflo wers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians

This is perhaps the best of many field guides covering this region. Featuring 446 excellent color photographs (located with the text) and mentioning as similar to those illustrated are another 800 or so species for a total coverage of over 1,200 species. The start of each family section includes line drawings of some of the species showing important features. The text includes the usual description, bloom season, range, habitat and additionally includes information such as medical uses and lore and how the species was named. This is the official field guide of the Tennessee Native Plant Society.