Rhododendron occidentale, common name "Western Azalea", is found in the wild in Oregon and California, usually on moist hillsides, ocean bluffs, along streams with high humidity and cool temperatures, from 0' to 8000', in USDA Zone 7a to 9b. It was named in 1827, is fragrant, and normally blooms pink to white to orange with or after the leaves expand, mid-April to mid-August. Its blooms are the most variable of the native azaleas. Plant habit is open and upright to 20'.