Labrador Tea

Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum), formerly Ledum groenlandicum, is an evergreen shrub of the heath family (Ericaceae) common in wet, acidic bogs and forest understory in Banff National Park.

Identification

Low shrub (0.3–1 m); leathery, oblong leaves with rolled margins and rusty undersides; clusters of white, five-petaled flowers in spring; aromatic when crushed. Leaves contain compounds that can be toxic if consumed in quantity; tea should be made with care.

Habitat

Subalpine and montane; wet bogs, muskeg, lake margins, and moist conifer understory. Often with bunchberry, blueberry, and sphagnum moss.

Traditional use

Indigenous peoples used the leaves for tea (hence the name); steeped briefly, not boiled. Leaves were also used medicinally and as a flavouring. Do not consume without proper knowledge; leaves contain ledol, which can cause toxicity.