Leatherleaf, Bog rosemary
Chamaedaphne calyculata

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. The leaves are thick and leathery. They are green above and have rusty scales underneath. The flowers are bell shaped and white. They occur in rows along new growth.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It needs moist, acid soil. It needs a protected shaded position. It is resistant to frost but damaged by drought.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, North America, Russia, Siberia, USA

How it is used for food

CAUTION Boiling can release a harmful toxin called andromedotoxin. To avoid the toxin the leaves are put into water and put in direct sunlight to produce "sun tea".

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, caution

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or by division. It can be cut back after flowering.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cassandra calyculata; Andromeda calyculata L.; Lyonia calyculata;