Conservation Evaluation of Pacific Rhododendron, Rhododendron macrophyllum, in Canada

Abstract

In Canada, Pacific Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum) is restricted to the Skagit River drainage and southeastern Vancouver Island in southwestern British Columbia. These populations represent the northern limits of the species, which ranges south to northern California. In British Columbia, Rhododendron macrophyllum is usually associated with coniferous forests. Until recently this species was considered to be rare. Results of this study indicate that the populations in the Skagit River watershed are large, extensive and mostly contained in protected areas, thus the species is not considered to be at risk in Canada at this time.