White-flowered (mountain) rhododendron (Rhododendron albiflorum) is a deciduous shrub which grows 1-2.5 high, but often spreads just as wide.   It is found near subalpine meadows and on damp forest slopes.    Young branches and twigs has peeling bark and reddish hairs.  Thin, alternate lanceolate leaves are greenish with some yellowing and the tops are covered in fine hairs.   Flowers grow on slender stalks from the previous year’s growth.   The flowers are cream-white colored, cup-shaped, and fused at the base.

Individual flowers have 10 stamens, hairy close to the base. After flowering small capsules form.

In the high forest openings and subalpine zones, we see white-flowered rhododendron in flower in early summer.   It fills in the understory in some open forests, but it also creates barriers to off-trail hiking.   By the trailside it is appreciated for its pleasant scent and showy flowers.