Labrador Tea

There are four species of low-growing evergreen shrubs in this genus, occurring in wet moorland throughout cool northern temperate regions. All are in cultivation, making neat, rhododendron-like plants for pool edges and peat gardens. The dried foliage of L. groenlandicum makes a passable substitute for tea and was used as such during the Revolutionary War. Ledum contains substances found in the related Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (See, bearberry). It is reputedly narcotic, causing "a peculiar delirium" when taken in excess. Said to deter insect pests and vermin, it was once placed among clothes and in grain storage. Ledum palustre (marsh tea, wild rosemary) has similar narcotic properties.

Rounded, evergreen shrub with rusty-woolly shoots, and narrowly oval, dark green, aromatic leaves, 2-6cm (¾-2½in) long, which have red-brown undersides. Small scented white flowers appear in rounded corymbs, 5cm (2in) across in late spring.

Common Name:	Labrador Tea
Botanical Name:	Ledum groenlandicum
Genus:	Ledum
Family:	Ericaceae
Native Location:	Greenland, N America (Alaska, N USA, Canada)
Cultivation:	Moist to wet, acid soil in sun or partial shade. Remove dead flower heads.
Propagation:	By seed, surface sown in autumn or spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Leaves and shoots are collected in late summer and autumn, and dried for infusions and tinctures. Spring and summer foliage can also be picked and used fresh for tinctures.
Height:	90cm (36in)
Width:	1.2m (4ft)
Hardiness:	Z2-6
Parts Used:	Leaves, shoots
Properties:	A bitter, astringent herb eith a camphoraceous aroma. It has expectorant, diuretic, and insecticidal effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for bronchial congestion, stomach upsets, and diarrhea. Externally for dandruff, scabies, lice, chiggers, and fungal skin infections.
Economic Uses:	Tinctures used against bedbugs, mosquitoes, lice, fleas, and beetle larvae. Dried leaves deter pests in grain and fabrics.
Bibliography:	The Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 258