A friend at my dinner table recently questioned in admiration the bowl I had set of pink orchids. Stunning indeed, but orchids? Guess again.

I had him stymied and almost regretted having to tell the truth. All I had done was float one rhododendron blossom in a silver bowl. I somehow totally missed the lilies-of-the-valley this year but cut an early rhododendron bloom and look forward eagerly to replenishing them for at least a few more weeks to come.

Pennsylvania has as lovely shrubs, certainly, for I always felt the rhododendron had to take second place to their mountain laurel, a far more delectable — and protected — beauty. I might give my heart indeed to the similar azalea, if only because of its greater variety of colors but mine, after twenty years of struggle, are barely a foot high — if that — and, this year particularly, really struggling to put out one leaf or one blossom. (To be fair, I simply judged prematurely.)

Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide tricks me into looking only to tell me azaleas (which can grow wild — should I tell mine?) are all officially “Rhododendron” though I gather rhododendron are not.

The Peterson Wildflower Guide tosses in Swamp Honeysuckle (Rhododendron viscosum) and Flame Azalea (Rhododendron Calendulaccum) before illustrating the Great Rhododendron which might actually be found around here in wet woods and swamps. (Its flowers are spotted with green or orange.) The Catawba Rhododendron (catawbiensus) is similar but usually smaller. (Not much help, huh?) They also show Early Azalea, Honeysuckle; Pink Azalea and Rhodara Canadense, which really does not resemble its cousin.

Audubon calls Rho. max. “Great Laurel” but doesn’t mention any green or orange spots, denoting the flowers simply as pinkish-white. It tells me the hard wood can be used for making tools and ornaments and does remind one of the tendency for their leaves to curl under lengthwise as the temperatures drop. Besides some of those listed in Peterson they also include . . . come now, anybody really still care? The list with Latin names goes on and on . . . and on.

They are all part of the Heath Family.

A description of the rhododendron appears in a 16th century writing but waited until 1753 when Linnaeus described it in detail for his “Species Plantarum.” He considered the azalea a different plant. So do I.

I think Wikipedia let me down. It says the Rhododendron is a genus of 1,024 species, either evergreen or deciduous found mainly in Asia. The national flower of Nepal, it is also widespread “throughout the Southern Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains.” Azaleas are placed in two subgenera, the difference being their only having five anthers in each flower. They can grow to 98 feet in height while the smallest is measured at 3.9 inches. (Neat!)

Much of the remainder of Wikipedia’s quite lengthy article touches on the various attempts at classification right up to 2005. I’ve probably bored you enough with all the Latin (and skipped much) so will let this drop now too.

What really matters is the plant itself and the beauty contained therein. Any family or friends who visit in early June must have a picture taken in front of the three huge bushes I acquired with the property. They are worth every ooh and aah.

I also have a few transplanted (from where? I have no idea anymore) up the hill at the edge of the woods. I meander up that way occasionally and always stop to take a gander. They’re doing quite well but don’t get the light and, candidly, are covered in weeds. Fenced in (another mystery of long ago), it would be hard to clean them out though might be worth the try. Maybe this is the year.

Better than being bogged down in words and descriptions which mean little, may I suggest a quick trip outdoors? Bet you can find some in gorgeous bloom near you right now.

Me? I’m going to cut another.

Susan Crossett has lived outside Cassadaga for more than 20 years. A lifetime of writing led to these columns as well as two novels. “Her Reason for Being” was published in 2008 with “Love in Three Acts” following in 2014. Information on all the Musings, her books and the author may be found at Susancrossett.com.