species 2,224 observations

Korean Rhododendron

Rhododendron mucronulatum

Field notes

Rhododendron mucronulatum, the Korean rhododendron or Korean rosebay (Korean: 진달래; RR: Jindallae), is a rhododendron species native to Korea, Mongolia, Russia, and parts of northern China. It is a deciduous shrub that grows to 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) in height, with elliptic or elliptic-lanceolate leaves, 3–7 cm (1+1⁄4–2+3⁄4 in) long by 1–3.5 cm (3⁄8–1+3⁄8 in) wide. The reddish-purple flowers appear in late winter or early spring, often on the bare branches before the foliage unfurls. It inhabits forested regions at 1,600–2,300 m (5,200–7,500 ft).

The Latin specific epithet mucronulatum means "sharply pointed", referring to the leaf shape.