Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Ledum glandulosum [Rhodendron neoglandulosum] (Labrador or Trapper's Tea)

A delightful evergreen shrub, reminiscent of a Rhododendron. Indeed they are both members of the acid-loving heather family.

It is at home in bog lands with low nutrients from the Pacific coast to the Rocky Mountains, in USDA zones 4-9.

Labrador Tea forms many branches and grows to 3.'

There is a characteristic rust-colored "fur" on the undersides of the 2 ½" long, drooping leaves.

The plant emits a lovely, spicy odor and rewards its keepers with clusters of decorative, white flowers in late summer.

As the name implies, Native Peoples and early settlers made tea from the leaves but great care must be taken in identification as this plant has several toxic look-alikes.