The thick, verdant canopy of the redwood tree (Sequoia sempervirens) effectively blocks out over 90% of the sunlight striking the rich, wet understory. Consequently, the plant life of the middle and lower canopies receive long stretches of shade and a few hours per day of filtered sunlight (Kricher, 1993). Rosebay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) and western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) are common residents found in the Redwood forests well developed understory. The large, colorful rosebay and azalea are frequently found in thick brier patches and are especially noticeable in spring and early summer when they are covered with blossoms. Other species found in the middle canopy include evergreen huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum), salal (Gaultheria shallon), blue blossom (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus), salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis), thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus), and western dogwood (Cornus sericea ssp. occidentalis) (Kricher, 1993; Munz and Keck, 1973).