UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

Pontic Rhododendron

Shrub Icon Cultivated Flower     Toxic  Pet Toxicity
Image of Pontic Rhododendron
Rhododendron Ponticum
Order: Ericales Family: Ericaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Pontic Rhododendron
MainColor Pink
PlantType Shrub Icon Shrub
Growth Type Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season May
ImageUrl Rhododendron-002
Photographer Gita
Location Sheringham
Human Toxicity Toxic Highly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

Rhododendron ponticum is an evergreen shrub with large, leathery leaves and clusters of bell-shaped, purple to pink flowers. It can grow up to 5 metres tall and is often found in dense thickets.

Distribution

Native to the Iberian Peninsula and parts of Asia, it has become widely naturalised in the UK and Ireland, particularly in woodlands and heathlands.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility

Inedible - all parts of the plant contain toxic compounds and should not be consumed.

Human Toxicity Toxic

Highly Toxic - ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and more severe symptoms such as heart rhythm disturbances.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Highly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion can lead to vomiting, drooling, and potentially fatal heart issues.

Active Compounds

Grayanotoxin, andromedotoxin, rhodotoxin.

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