Menziesia ciliicalyx var. multiflora
Common name: 
Mock Azalea
Menziesia
Pronunciation: 
men-zee-SHE-a (men-zeez-ee-a) ki-lee-i-KA-liks mul-ti-FLO-ra
Family: 
Ericaceae
Genus: 
Menziesia
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous shrub, erect, to 1 m or more, branches arranged in layers, rounded habit.  Leaves alternate, simple, obovate or ovate-oblong, 2.5-5 cm long and 1.5-2.5 cm wide, apex acute or blunt, blade tapering to the base, margin has loosely soft hairs, upper surface bright blue-green, hairs on mid-rib below.  Flowers small, nodding, urn-shaped (subcampalulate), white to purple-tinted, anthers 2-3 mm, styles 7-10 mm, 6-10 per cluster (umbel), pedicels generally 2-3 cm, glandular, with soft hairs.  Fruit small, dry.
  • The var. multiflora is similar to the species but apparently has more but smaller flowers.
  • Part shade to shade.  moist but well-drained soil.  Maintain a acidic organic mulch.
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 6   Native to Japan (Honshu, Hokkaido, Shikoku).
  • ciliicalyx: calyx is ciliate (marginal fringe of hairs);   multiflora:   apparently more flowers per cluster compared to the species, i.e., 6-10 versus 3-8.
  • Federal Way, Washington: Rhododendron Species and Botanical Garden
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit, early spring flowering

    plant habit, early spring flowering

  • flower clusters

    flower clusters

  • plant habit, late spring

    plant habit, late spring

  • leaves

    leaves