Question: Hello, this was observed in late summer in Somerset County, Maine. The plant was observed along a road ditch. The …
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Question
Hello, this was observed in late summer in Somerset County, Maine. The plant was observed along a road ditch. The plant was a small shrub 4-5 feet in height. My assumption would be Kalmia angustifolia, however the light blue color and dense hair on the leaves would suggest otherwise. Thanks
Answer
Dear eehrlich11, good morning. Kalmia anguistifolia would have whorled leaves (in threes at each node), but this species has alternate leaves, so good to question the initial hypothesis. This is Rhododendron canadense (rhodora), a common species in much of ME with the beautiful, pubescent, often pinkish capsules that you photographed. Wonderful images.
