Labrador Tea
Ledum groenlandicum
APPEARANCE
This plant has narrow leaves with orange coloured hairs underneath. They grow 0.5 to 1.5 metres tall and have orange hairs on the twigs.
RANGE & HABITAT
Found in low to mid elevations, they grow in peatlands and boggy areas. Labrador tea is able to grow in soil that is acidic and low in nutrients.
LIFE CYCLE
They produce small white flowers in an umbrella-like shape. These flowers then develop into hairy pods with seeds in them.
ANIMAL USES
Poisonous to livestock because of toxins in the leaves.
TRADITIONAL FIRST NATIONS USES
Leaves were used fresh or dried to make tea, although too much of it causes stomach problems!
MODERN USES
Labrador tea is still used today to make tea.
STATUS
COSEWIC: Not at Risk
CDC: Yellow