Western Azalea, also called Californian Azalea, is found in areas that have serpentine soils (volcanic origin where tectonic plates collide).  Originally found on foothill slopes from California to mid Oregon, this Azalea (often used for domestic horticulture) is migrating north (and is found by Kiosk 14 in the Gardens).  It is a shrub and a member of the Ericaceae Family.  Pilchuck Learning Center’s sponsored Western Washington State University SAM Project extinction slope is 0.52; found only in a small area of Cascadia.  It is not yet reported as a native in the State of Washington.  When it does become permanent, will it join other beautiful plants: foxglove, piggyback plant, evergreen and himalayan blackberries, lingonberry, Alaska fern, false lily of the valley, and Scotch broom on the “invasive lists,” mirroring most of us?

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=rhoc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron_occidentale
https://www.plc215.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Kiosk-14.pdf
http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Rhododendron+occidentale 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/beauty/serpentines/adaptations.shtml

Or should we consider it a native?

No
Undecided
Yes

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