Section Pentanthera of the deciduous Rhododendrons (Azaleas) is characterized by having buds with imbricated calyx, corolla with a long tube, and five long-exserted stamens. Within this group in the range covered by Gray’s Manual are four pink- or roseate-flowered species in which the flowers appear before the leaves are fully developed. These are Rhododendron nudiflorum, R. roseum, R. canescens, and R. atlanticum.* This paper is an attempt to discuss these species, particularly with reference to Illinois material. The junior author has prepared the illustrations.