Sichuan is one of the three natural distribution centers of Rhododendron in China. To understand the current situation of Sichuan Rhododendron well, the Rhododendron plant specimen database was constructed based on Sichuan University Herbarium (SZ). Statistics and analyses were carried out from different aspects especially on species, collection site, altitude and life-form. The results showed that there were16077 specimens recorded, belonging to 260 species (include 11 subspecies, 29 varieties) in 29 subgroups, 14 groups and 6 subgenus, of which 99 species (include 9 varieties and 3 subspecies) endemic to Sichuan. There were 158 type specimens belonging to 17 species in 6 subgenus. In addition, 16 species of Rhododendron were reported as new record distribution to Sichuan. Rhododendron plants distributed in 75 counties and 15cities (Autonomous Prefecture) of Sichuan, mainly in Liangshan, Gan zi, A ba, Ya an and Le shan, which life type is 1-3 m in height. Six priority species for landscape application in Sichuan were screened by MaxEnt and landscape application value. They are R. lutescens, R. vernicosum, R. pachytrichum, R. concinnum, R. racemosum and R. davidsonianum. These data provide effective information for protective making plans and study work in Rhododendron.
