Approach with care this fragile habitat of rare Rosebay rhododendrons and appreciate that you are experiencing one of very few populations of this important species.

What makes Medfield Rhododendrons a special place?
Medfield Rhododendrons is the site of an important and rare stand of Rhododendron maximum, the great laurel or rosebay rhododendron, one of only three species of evergreen rhododendrons native to eastern North America. 

Rosebay rhododendrons are most abundant in the southern Appalachian Mountains, where they form extensive thickets. In New England they reach their northernmost range. At the turn of the 20th century, this plant became popular for its showy flowers, and overcollecting in the wild nearly wiped out the species. Only seven known populations exist today, including this one, the largest and easternmost population of rosebay rhododendrons in Massachusetts. Please help protect this fragile site.

Trails
A quarter-mile trail leads from the Woodbridge Road parking area to the stand of rhododendrons. Easy walking, although wet underfoot.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour. Blooming for this species typically occurs in late June.

Regulations & Advisories

• The trail is a public easement across private property. Please respect the privacy of neighbors.
  
  
• Please be advised that this stand of rhododendrons has not bloomed for several years.

Directions

Woodbridge Road
Medfield, MA
Telephone: 508.785.0339
E-mail: charlesrivervalley@ttor.org

Get directions from Google Maps.

From the junction of Rts. 27 and 109 in Medfield, take Rt. 27 South 0.5 mi. Turn right onto Woodridge St. Parking area (4 cars) is immediately on right. Walk 200 yards along Woodridge St. to trail on right that is a public easement across private property. Follow trail to the stand of rhododendrons.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of 1 hour. Blooming for this species typically occurs in late June.

Admission
FREE to all

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Original acreage purchased in 1934. Additional land purchased in 1938. Additional land given by Robert S. Hale in 1936 and 1937; Richard W. Hale in 1937; and W. K. Gilmore & Sons, Inc. in 1961 and 1971. Gift of trail easement and parking area from the Woodridge Trust in 1996.

Programs

Click here to learn more about our Summer in the Valley Photo contest.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Conservation and Stewardship

Though listed today as a “threatened” species by the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, rosebay rhododendrons were once more common in Massachusetts; approximately half of the historical populations in Massachusetts have been lost. At the turn of the 20th century, rosebay rhododendrons at this site in Medfield were approaching extinction due to overcollecting and cutting for their showy flowers.

The Trustees of Reservations acquired Medfield Rhododendrons to protect this important colony of rosebay rhododendrons. Currently, there are seven known populations, including this one. The Medfield Rhododendrons colony represents the largest and easternmost population in Massachusetts. Since large populations can better withstand changes to the environment, especially catastrophic events such as disease and flooding, this stand is likely to persist over time, thereby offering The Trustees of Reservations a vital conservation opportunity.

Please help us protect this important stand by respecting the fragility of the site. Surrounding the stand is wetland and river floodplain for the Stop River and Charles River basin.

Maps and Resources

At present, a trail map for Medfield Rhododendrons is not available.

Planning Your Visit

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

Tell Us What You Think

We’d love to hear about your visit. Click here to take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us about this reservation, you can use this form to send it to us, too.

Share your experiences with other visitors! Simply fill out the form below and we’ll post your comment here on this page.

Submitted by Jim on: May 24, 2010

First time to visit Medfield Rhododendrons. How have the plants fared since 1999 when you did the big clean-up? Are they making a comeback? We couldn't tell and were curious.

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