Labrador Tea
Latin name: Ledum groenlandicum
Hul’q’umi’num name: Me’uhwulhp
Photo credits: Kendall McLaughlin
Description: Labrador Tea is a low-growing shrub, reaching heights of 50 to 150 cm, that thrives in sensitive organic wetland ecosystems such as bogs and peat areas. It features evergreen, leathery leaves that are long and narrow, with edges that curl underneath. The undersides of the leaves are covered in fuzzy, rusty-red hairs. In the spring, the shrub produces small white flowers that bloom in an umbel formation at the tops of the branches.
Photo credits: Kendall McLaughlin
Harvest and Sustainability: This species thrives in sensitive ecosystems, so please harvest responsibly. The leaves can be collected throughout the year, but their qualities vary depending on the age of the leaf. It is recommended to selectively pick the leaves from the current year's growth on healthy, live plants.
Photo credits: Kendall McLaughlin (Left, Center), Milla Slessor (Right)
Uses: This species is a very important medicine for various Coast Salish Nations. It is used to make relaxing tea to treat sore throats and colds. The leaves could be used fresh or dried.
