Rhododendron japonicum buds

Fresh spring buds of Rhododendron Japonicum or the Japanese rhododendron found in the mountainous forests of Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.
The Japanese rhododendron is also known as an Japanese Azalea due to it carrying smaller flowers than a true Rhododendron. It is a full hardy shrub and all parts of the plant or toxic to animals if ingested!