Rhododendron macrophyllum
California rhododendron, California Rhododendron
(c) Scott Catron, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ericaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Rhododendron macrophyllum (California rhododendron) is a native California shrub / tree in the Ericaceae family, recognized by large glabrous evergreen leaves vs small scaly evergreen or deciduous leaves.
California rhododendron is a California native shrub found in northern coastal, Klamath Ranges, northern coastal ranges, central coastal, and San Francisco Bay Area regions in conifer forest margins at elevations below 1,515 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces white to pink or purple flowers with brown-yellow flecks, arranged in clusters of 10 to 20 blooms. Growing up to 4 meters tall with coarse branches and stout twigs, it forms a robust and spreading shrub. Its leathery, evergreen leaves are large, measuring 6 to 12 centimeters long and 3 to 5 centimeters wide, with a flat margin and an impressed midvein. The fruit is elongated and dehisces from tip to base.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species; key features are large glabrous evergreen leaves vs small scaly evergreen or deciduous leaves
Habitat and range
Habitat: Conifer forest margins
Elevation: < 1515 m
California counties: Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Marin, Monterey, Siskiyou, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, Alameda, Trinity
Outside California: to British Columbia
Bloom period
Rhododendron macrophyllum blooms Apr-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Rosa: Rhododendron has tubular bell-shaped flowers; Rosa has flat open flowers with separate petals.; vs Nerium: Rhododendron has alternate leaves; Nerium has leaves in whorls of 3-4.; vs Cordia: Rhododendron has fused petals forming tubes; Cordia has separate spreading petals.; vs Hibiscus: Rhododendron has many separate stamens; Hibiscus has stamens fused into a central column.; vs Gardenia: Rhododendron has alternate leaves; Gardenia has opposite or whorled leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhododendron macrophyllum native to California?
Yes. Rhododendron macrophyllum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Rhododendron macrophyllum bloom?
Rhododendron macrophyllum blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Rhododendron macrophyllum grow?
Rhododendron macrophyllum occurs in Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte, Marin, Monterey, Siskiyou, San Mateo, Santa Cruz and other counties, at elevations of < 1515 m.
What plant family does Rhododendron macrophyllum belong to?
Rhododendron macrophyllum is in the Ericaceae family, genus Rhododendron.
What habitat does Rhododendron macrophyllum grow in?
Rhododendron macrophyllum grows in Conifer forest margins.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.