Bog Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum, formerly Ledum groenlandicum or Ledum latifolium), is a flowering plant in the subsection Ledum of the large genus Rhododendron in the family Ericaceae. It is a low shrub growing to 50 cm (rarely up to 2 m) tall with evergreen leaves 20-60 mm long and 3-15 mm broad. The leaves are wrinkled on top, densely hairy white to red-brown underneath, and have a leathery texture, curling at the edges. The tiny white flowers grow in hemispherical clusters and are very fragrant and sticky.

It is found growing in northern latitudes right around the world. In Europe, it occurs south to the Alps, and in the United States, it reaches as far south as northern Pennsylvania, Ohio and New Jersey in the east, and Oregon in the west. It grows in bogs and on wet shores, and sometimes on rocky alpine slopes.

For its traditional uses in herbal medicine, see Labrador Tea.

Ledum latifolium drawn by William Miller

External links and references

• Peterson, R. T. and McKenny, M. A Field Guide to Wildflowers Northeastern and North-central North America.
• Blamey, M. & Grey-Wilson, C. 1989. Illustrated Flora of Britain and Northern Europe. Hodder & Stoughton.
• USDA PLANTS database: Ledum groenlandicum

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