Labrador tea
Ledum palustre subsp. groenlandicum

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It has deep underground stems or rhizomes. The branches are erect. It grows 1 m tall. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are narrowly oval and 2-5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. They are dull dark green above. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are curled under at the edge. They are rusty brown underneath. The flowers are white. They are in groups at the top of the plant.

Where it is found

It is a cold temperate plant. It grows in moist acid soils that are low in nutrients.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves must be dried before being used for tea. They are then boiled and used for tea.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, flowers - tea

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed. It is commonly grown from the underground rhizomes.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Bog tea

Synonyms

Ledum groenlandicum Oeder; Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd;