Bog Labrador Tea

(Rhododendron groenlandicum)

Bog Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Rhododendron groenlandicum, commonly known as Bog Labrador Tea, is an evergreen shrub native to peat bogs, wet coniferous forests, and tundra margins across Northern USA, Canada, and Greenland. It typically grows to 50 centimeters (20 inches) tall, but can occasionally reach up to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in ideal conditions. The plant has a compact, rounded form with evergreen leaves that are 20–60 millimeters (0.79–2.36 inches) long and 3–15 millimeters (0.12–0.59 inches) broad. The leaves are distinctive for being wrinkled on the upper surface, densely hairy and often reddish-brown underneath, with a leathery texture and curled edges. From late spring to early summer, it produces hemispherical clusters of tiny, white, highly fragrant flowers that are sticky to the touch.

Bog Labrador Tea is valued for its fragrant flowers, evergreen foliage, and adaptability to wet, acidic soils, making it suitable for bog gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a ground cover in appropriate conditions. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium amounts of water, preferring soils with slow to fast drainage. While it is generally low-maintenance, it is sensitive to drought and excessive heat. Gardeners should be aware of its toxic alkaloids, which can be harmful to livestock and humans if ingested in large quantities. It is not commonly used in culinary or medicinal applications due to its toxicity.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Native to peat bogs, wet coniferous forests, and tundra margins

Other Names

Common Names: Muskeg Tea, Swamp Tea, Hudson’s Bay Tea, Labrador-Tea, Greenland Labrador Tea, Labrador Tea, Common Labrador Tea, Lédon Du Groenland, Thé Du Labrador, Thé Velouté, Bredbladig Skvattram

Scientific Names: , Ledum groenlandicum, Ledum palustre, Rhododendron groenlandicum, Ledum palustre subsp. groenlandicum, Ledum latifolium, Ledum palustre var. latifolium, Ledum groelandicum, Ledum pacificum, Ledum canadense

GBIF Accepted Name: Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron & Judd