Pink-Shell Azalea Vaseyi
(Azalea vaseyi)
Native only to North Carolina, the pink-shell azalea grows in spruce forests at high elevations in three mountain counties. Delicate pink blossoms appear in mid-May.
The azalea vaseyi is considered globally endangered with less that 100 populations known to exist. The largest natural population of the pink-shell azalea in the world can be found on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain, covering the peaks of the mountain in pink clouds from mid to late May. One of the best shows of the year!
