Ledum groenlandicum

The Labrador Tea is a very hardy, small evergreen shrub which can be found in every province and territory of Canada. This species was collected by Aboriginals to brew a vitamin C rich tea. This slow growing plant produces woolly branches with alternately arranged leaves. Leaves produced by this species are easily recognisable by their deep green colour, wrinkly curved top with smooth edges and hairy, rust coloured underside. The Labrador Tea produces fragrant, showy white flowers which grow in a large flattened cluster at the terminal ends of the branches. This shrub provides a food source for pollinators, however is slightly poisonous to mammals.

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Scientific Name: Ledum groenlandicum
Type: Shrub
Height: 1m
Spread: 1m
Moisture Level: moist, wet
Light Conditions: full sun, part sun, shade
Soil Conditions: sand, clay, loam, acidic
Zone (Hardiness of Canada): 0 to 6