the.com/azalea
a shrub that hides poison behind blooms loud enough to embarrass a sunset
means A flowering shrub of the rhododendron family, prized for its dense, brightly colored spring blossoms.
from From the New Latin azalea, which scientists borrowed from the Greek azaleos, meaning 'dry' — a cousin of the word for 'parched.' The naming nods to a belief that the plant favored dry soil, though azaleas are happiest with steady moisture, so the name has always been something of a botanical misnomer.
- toxic nectar
- Honey from azaleas can cause hallucinations and paralysis
- ancient warfare
- Greek soldiers were poisoned by mad honey in 401 BC
- slow grower
- Some specimens live and bloom for centuries
- shade lover
- Thrives in dappled forest light, hates harsh sun
rhododendron simsii — most widely cultivated azalea species, native to china, accounts for majority of commercial florist azaleas
pinxterbloom azalea — native wildflower in eastern united states, blooms april-may with pink-purple flowers
kurume azalea — japanese hybrid group developed in kurume city, prized for small leaves and profuse flowers since 1600s