Rhododendron groenlandicum aka Labrador Tea

Rhododendron groenlandicum is also known as Labrador tea. It belongs to the heath family. Its old name is Ledum groenlandicum. It is native to subarctic North America and the northern United States. It also grows in Greenland and much of Canada. Wild plants grow in cold bogs and mountain conifer woods. Its range has both subarctic and subalpine climates.

This shrub stays green all year. Its shape is round or loose and spreading. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet (0.5–1 metre) tall. They spread about 3.3–4.9 feet (1–1.5 metres) wide. They take five to ten years to reach full size. The smooth bark ranges from gray to reddish brown. Thick, woolly hairs cover the reddish-brown shoots. Scales cover the buds. The narrow leaves have dark green tops and rolled edges. Woolly hairs beneath the leaves start white, then turn rusty brown. The leaves give off a scent when crushed. They grow along the stems but may look like clusters.

White flowers bloom at shoot tips in late spring. They form small clusters. Each flower has five petals and long stamens. The blooms measure about one-third of an inch across. Small, pointed capsules form after the flowers. These dry fruits hang in clusters. Each capsule has five parts. The fruit starts green and turns brown by late summer. The year-round leaves and spring blooms suit informal gardens. RHS also lists courtyard gardens and pots as places to grow it.

Grow it in a sheltered spot with part shade. RHS also lists full sun as a suitable site. Give it moist soil that drains well. Add humus rich in leaf matter and favor acid soil. The RHS profile also lists neutral soil as suitable. It grows in clay, loam, or sand. It has an H6 hardiness rating. The edges of woods and bog gardens offer other planting sites. Vine weevil and whitefly may attack it. Other pests include leafhopper, lacebug, and scale insects. Caterpillars and aphids may also attack it. Diseases include powdery mildew, petal blight, and bud blast. Silver leaf and honey fungus may also affect it.

People have used the leaves for tea and to flavor food. They have also used them in traditional medicine for several ailments. These uses do not show that eating it is safe. RHS warns that it harms people and pets when eaten. PFAF also reports a toxin in the plant. Other recorded uses include insect repellents, tannin, and brown dye.