In recent walks through the forested wetlands surrounding the Quashnet River in Falmouth, as well as along the edges of the marsh fringing Allen’s Pond in Dartmouth, I came across a handful of shrubs tipped with large bright yellow and red buds.  Although most plants are not flowering yet, the buds of many trees and shrubs are enlarged. These particularly noticeable buds belong to the swamp azalea.

The swamp azalea (Rhododendron viscosum), also called the clammy azalea, is a medium sized deciduous shrub common to wetlands in Massachusetts. The name “clammy azalea” has nothing to do with shellfish, but rather refers to the plant’s very sticky corolla.  In fact, the species name “viscosum” means sticky in Latin. Swamp azaleas can grow to be 12 to 15 feet wide, but often not more than 5 or 6 feet tall. Although it is one of the last azaleas to bloom in the spring, the buds and twigs of this shrub are helpful in identifying it this time of year. The twigs are bristly to hairy, and the buds have 8-12 scales that are rounded or have short bristle tips (see photo below) and are also somewhat hairy. Additionally, the dried remains of last year’s flowers are also a helpful identifier.