Lapland rose-bay
Rhododendron lapponicum

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It is erect or can lie over. It has many branches. It grows 30 cm high. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are leathery and dark green above but rusty coloured with hairs underneath. The flowers are purple and have a faint scent.

Where it is found

It grows in alpine and subarctic regions. It grows on open stony or gravelly tundra. It grows on non-acid rocks. In north China it grows in damp places between sea level and 1,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Arctic, Asia, Canada, China, Europe, Greenland, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, North America, North Korea, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Siberia, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Leaves - tea

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Azalea ferruginosa Pall.; Azalea lapponica L.; Azalea parvifolia (Adams) Kuntze; Rhododendron confertissimum Nakai; Rhododendron palustre Turcz.; Rhododendron parvifolium Adams; and subsp.