The flame azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum) was in gorgeous form on Black Mountain this past Saturday. This deciduous shrub is native to higher elevations of the Appalachian Mountains from Pennsylvania south to Georgia and needs cool temperatures and acidic soil to thrive. The plant’s flowers are highly variable in color, ranging from orangish-yellow to deep reddish-orange. I think I found every color in the spectrum in this patch along the Highland Scenic Highway.
















