Rhododendron vaseyi, the rare Pinkshell Azalea, is one of the first species to bloom in the spring. Its delicate pink to white flowers are typically flat-faced, about 1.5 to 2.25 inches across, and have some prominent spotting in the throat.

Discovered by George Vasey in 1878, this native azalea has a relatively restricted natural habitat in four mountainous counties of North Carolina. Growing at elevations of 3000 to 5500 feet, plants can be seen in bloom along the Blue Ridge Parkway in early spring.

R. vaseyi makes an excellent garden plant, and can be purchased plants from number of commercial sources. Please, never take plants from the wild.