This plant can be found in the eastern part of the United States. It is most often noticed during the spring season. When you can identify it, please share its common and scientific names in a comment — along with any personal story you may have about this plant.
Flower buds with newly developing leaves
Opening flower, flower buds and leaves
Flowers
Branches with inflorescences
Plant form during spring season
Fresh and dying flowers
Leaves — structure and arrangement
ANSWER (subsequently added to this post to facilitate the “search” function for these images): Flaming azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum)
This is a wild azalea. Most likely Rhododendron canescens. In Connecticut we have plenty of wild azaleas, but none are orange like these, most are either pink or white. Nevertheless, the basic Rhododendren (azalea) flower is a dead giveaway.
Rhododendron canescens, common name ” Honeysuckle azalea”, this is one of the wild azaleas found in my state Arkansas 🙂
Yes, this is a type of wild azalea. However, it is a different species from what Pamela and Leoni named. This bright orange azalea is commonly referred to as a Flame azalea with the scientific name of Rhododendron calendulaceum. It really catches the eye on a cloudy or rainy day in the woods.