description Labrador Tea Overview
Labrador tea, Rhododendron groenlandicum, is an evergreen shrub of bogs, peatlands, and moist coniferous forests across northern North America and Greenland. It has narrow, aromatic leaves with rolled margins and a rusty, woolly coating beneath, and produces rounded clusters of white flowers. Indigenous peoples and settlers have brewed the leaves as an herbal tea, but the plant contains potentially toxic compounds, so concentrated or excessive consumption is unsafe.
help Labrador Tea FAQ
What is the scientific name of Labrador tea?
Labrador tea is Rhododendron groenlandicum. It is an evergreen shrub found in bogs, peatlands, and moist coniferous forests across northern North America and Greenland.
How can I identify Labrador tea in a bog?
Look for narrow, aromatic leaves with rolled margins and a rusty, woolly coating underneath. Rhododendron groenlandicum also produces rounded clusters of small flowers.
Can Labrador tea leaves be brewed as tea?
The aromatic leaves are traditionally associated with herbal infusions, which is the source of the common name Labrador tea. Because it is a wild Rhododendron species, reliable identification and a trusted safety source are important before consuming it.
Where does Labrador tea grow naturally?
Labrador tea grows in wet, acidic habitats such as bogs and peatlands, as well as moist coniferous forests. Its natural range includes northern North America and Greenland.
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