Indicator Plants

• A shrub
• Grows in moist forests and streambanks but also in relatively dry, exposed sites
• Common at subalpine elevations

• Form: Erect, 1-2.5 m tall, young twigs covered in reddish hairs
• Leaves: Alternate but growing in whorl-like clusters mostly at branch tips, elliptic and pointed, upper surface with fine rusty hairs, yellowish green, turning bronze in the fall
• Flowers: white, showy, cup-shaped, petals fused at base, in clusters of 2-4 on old growth
• Fruit: Dry capsules containing seeds

• When non-reproductive, can be easily confused with false azalea (Menziesia ferruginea) or  copperbush (Cladothamnus pyroliflorus)
  • former has sticky, bluish leaves with whitish hairs on both sides, smells skunky when crushed, and has a midvein protruding at the tip of the leaf
  • latter has powdery, hairless leaves that are broadest near the tip

• The leaves were used for medicinal teas or poultices by some aboriginal groups in our region

• false azalea and copperbush

E-Flora of BC - Rhododendron albiflorum

Douglas, G.W. et al (Editors). 1998-2002. Illustrated Flora of British Columbia, Volumes 1 to 8. B.C. Min. Environ., Lands and Parks, and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C.

Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 2014. Plants of Coastal British Columbia Including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. B.C. Ministry of Forestry and Lone Pine Publishing. Vancouver, B.C.