Labrador Tea

Rhododendron tomentosum
Ericaceae/Heather Family

Labrador Tea grows in heaths, bogs, woods and alpine slopes. It is an evergreen shrub that can reach 10-30" tall. Its aromatic leaves are leathery, have a thick mat of rust-colored hairs beneath and roll under and the margins. The 5-lobed white flowers are clustered at the top of the reddish stems.

This species has long been used as an herbal tea by indigenous people, minders and trappers. Best consumed in moderation.