White-Flowered Rhododendron

White-flowered rhododendron (Rhododendron albiflorum) is a deciduous shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae). It blooms in subalpine forest understory in Banff National Park; clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers in summer.

Identification: Shrub (0.5–2 m); alternate, oval leaves with rusty undersides; clusters of white, five-lobed, bell-shaped flowers (1–2 cm) in leaf axils. Not showy like cultivated rhododendrons; flowers are smaller and less colourful. Leaves turn yellow in fall.

Habitat: Subalpine; moist forest understory, stream margins, and avalanche paths. Often with Labrador tea, bunchberry, and twinflower. Blooms June to August.

Viewing: Look in shady spruce-fir forest along Lake Agnes, Plain of Six Glaciers, and subalpine trails. Do not pick; flowers are sensitive and slow to recover.