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Genus Rhododendron  Rhododendron periclymenoides Picture by Dick Brooks  Rhododendrons as members of the Heath (Ericaceae) family thrive in the acid-soil of New England. In fact, several species of rhododendron are native to the region such as Rhododendron viscosum, the swamp azalea (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron periclymenoides, the Pinxterbloom azalea (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron prinophyllum, the Roseshell azalea (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron canadense, the Rhodora (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron maximum, the Rosebay rhododendron (large leaf) Rhododendron lapponicum  the Lapland rhododendron (small leaf)  Rhododendron groenlandicum (previously Ledum) the Labrador tea (small leaf) The genus Rhododendron can be divided into four major subgenera. Many people are unaware that azaleas are rhododendrons. large leaf or elepidotes (without scales),  small leaf or lepidotes (with scales),  evergreen azaleas,  deciduous azaleas.  Species from 3 of these 4 major subgenera are represented in New England. There are no evergreen azaleas native to New England. In fact, there are no evergreen azaleas native to North America. Additional Rhododendron species native to North America include the following: Rhododendron alabamense (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron arborescens (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron atlanticum (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron austrinum (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron calendulaceum (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron canescens (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron cumberlandense (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron flammeum (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron occidentale (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron prunifolium (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron vaseyi (deciduous azalea) Rhododendron minus (small leaf) Rhododendron neoglandulosum (previously Ledum) (small leaf) Rhododendron tomentosum (previously Ledum) (small leaf) Rhododendron catawbiense (large leaf) Rhododendron macrophyllum (large leaf) Rhododendron albiflorum Rhododendron camtschaticum Some species such as Rhododendron camtschaticum and Rhododendron albiflorum do not fit into any of these four major subgenera. Some refer to these minor subgenera as the "cats and dogs" of the Rhododendron genus. There are no "cats or dogs" native to New England. Species Study Group studies the more than 800 species of the genus Rhododendron focusing on Rhododendron species hardy in New England. The Massachusetts Chapter's Plants For Members, Van Veen Order, and A Sandy Rhododendron Order provide members the opportunity to purchase hardy Rhododendron species as well as hybrids. A nursery source list compiled by members of the Species Study Group gives a comprehensive list of species  reported to be hardy to -10°F. Tours of Favorites lists members' favorite garden rhododendrons. Members often include species as well as hybrid rhododendrons in their lists. Tours of Gardens provides pictorial tours of members' gardens. Rhododendron species are features in some of the members gardens. Tours of Hybridizers provides pictorial tours of New England rhododendron hybridizers.