Western Azalea

Native Western Azalea, Rhododendron Occidentale
Azalea Park
Brookings, Oregon

There are apparently five different varieties of native Azaleas in this city park, and some of them are over 200 years old. We just missed the peak of the flowering season; Memorial Day weekend is when the park is typically in full bloom, and the city of Brookings host the annual Azalea Festival.

In many places, the Azalea shrubs grow close enough together to create magical-feeling archways and and tunnels when are fun to explore. I have many fond memories of spending time at Azalea Park when I was a child; during our visit yesterday, my girls seemed to have found it just as enchanting as I did (and still do). We all agreed that we'll need to make another visit there this summer before we head back home to Austin.


For more on this species of azalea and the history of Azalea Park, click here.