Labrador Tea Rhododendron groenlandicum
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Labrador tea has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its leathery, evergreen leaves. These leaves are narrow, with a length that is notably longer than their width, showcasing a dark green upper surface that contrasts with the rusty brown underside often covered with fine, woolly hairs. The flowers of Labrador tea are prominently displayed in clusters that bear a resemblance to tiny bouquets. Each individual flower within these clusters is delicate and bell-shaped, predominantly white in color, and they give off a subtle yet pleasant scent that can attract various pollinators. These blossoms emerge during the late spring and early summer months, adding a soft, frothy texture to the plant’s overall look. The entire plant exudes a certain ruggedness, being adapted to thrive in colder, boggy environments, often in areas with acidic soil. Its stems are sturdy and may be covered with the same kind of fine hairs found on the undersides of the leaves. Upon close inspection, the overall architecture of this plant displays both resilience and elegance in its native habitats.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ericaceae
Synonyms
Labrador Tea, Bog Labrador Tea, Greenland Ledum, Muskeg Tea, Northern Labrador Tea, Trapper's Tea, Hudson's Bay Tea
Common names
Ledum groenlandicum, Rhododendron tomentosum Harmaja, Ledum latifolium, Ledum palustre var. groenlandicum.
ToxicityTo humans
Labrador tea, common name for Rhododendron groenlandicum, contains grayanotoxins which are toxic to humans if consumed in large quantities. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, abdominal pain, hypotension, lethargy, and in severe cases can lead to coma or death. The entire plant is considered poisonous, including leaves and nectar. Care should be taken to avoid ingestion.
To pets
Labrador tea poses a toxicity risk to pets as well. Similar to its effects on humans, the plant's grayanotoxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, and even lead to more severe symptoms such as low blood pressure, seizures, coma, and in extreme cases, death. All parts of the plant are dangerous if ingested by pets. Pet owners should prevent animals from consuming any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape aesthetics: Rhododendron groenlandicum, commonly known as Labrador Tea, is valued for its attractive white flowers and leathery leaves, enhancing the visual appeal of natural landscapes and gardens.
- Wildlife habitat: It provides shelter and breeding sites for various insects, birds, and small mammals, contributing to biodiversity.
- Erosion control: The plant's root system helps to stabilize soil, mitigating erosion in areas where it is established.
- Food source: The nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which play a critical role in the pollination of many other plant species.
Medical Properties- Antiseptic: Traditionally used for its antiseptic properties to treat topical skin infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: Employed in folk medicine to reduce inflammation, especially in the mouth and throat.
- Analgesic: Known to be used to alleviate pain, particularly headaches and muscle pain.
- Expectorant: Used in herbal preparations to help expel phlegm and treat respiratory conditions.
- Gastrointestinal aid: Sometimes used to help with digestive issues, such as stomach aches and indigestion.
- Antispasmodic: Believed to help relieve spasms and cramps in the muscles.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Traditional Dye: The Rhododendron groenlandicum, commonly known as Labrador tea, has historically been used by indigenous peoples to create natural dyes of varying colors depending on the mordant used.
- Insect Repellent: Labrador tea leaves contain compounds that can be used to repel insects, such as mosquitoes, when applied to the skin or used in a space.
- Tanning Agent: The tannins present in Labrador tea can be used for tanning leather, giving it a distinctive color and enhancing its durability.
- Flavor Enhancer: Labrador tea leaves can be used as a flavoring agent in wild game and fish dishes, adding a unique aromatic twist to traditional recipes.
- Textile Preservation: The antibacterial properties of Labrador tea can help in preserving textiles when infused into fabrics or used during the washing process.
- Botanical Sachets: Dried leaves of Labrador tea can be included in herbal sachets to impart a pleasant fragrance to drawers and closets while also deterring moths.
- Fire Starter: Due to the presence of flammable oils in its leaves, Labrador tea can be used as a natural fire starter in damp conditions.
- Garden Compost: The fibrous quality of Labrador tea can benefit compost piles by aerating the compost and adding bulk to assist in the decomposition process.
- Floral Arrangements: With its distinctive leaves and sometimes flowers, Labrador tea can add a touch of wilderness to floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Tea Ceremony Rituals: Labrador tea has been used in certain cultural tea ceremonies for its unique aroma and taste, playing a role in traditional rituals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Labrador tea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Labrador tea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Survival and Strength: Rhododendron groenlandicum, commonly known as Labrador tea, often grows in challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in difficult conditions.
- Caution: Labrador tea has been used medicinally but must be used with caution due to its potency, representing the need for careful consideration and respect for potential dangers.
- Purity: The plant's association with the pristine landscapes of northern Canada and its traditional uses by indigenous peoples can symbolize purity and natural simplicity.
- Harmony with Nature: As a native plant well-adapted to its ecosystem, Labrador tea embodies balance and harmony with the surrounding natural environment.
WaterLabrador tea, or Rhododendron groenlandicum, should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, from spring through fall, water the plant with about 1.5 gallons per week, adjusting for rainfall. In winter, reduce watering to when the soil appears dry, as growth and water needs decrease. A deep watering method is preferred to encourage deep root development, allowing water to seep slowly into the soil to reach the roots rather than a light sprinkling.
LightLabrador tea thrives best in partial shade to full sun. It should be positioned in a spot that provides morning sunlight and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Direct afternoon sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. Proper light ensures vibrant foliage and optimal flowering.
TemperatureLabrador tea can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy in cold conditions, but the ideal temperature range for Rhododendron groenlandicum is between 40°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum winter temperatures down to -40°F and maximum summer temperatures up to 90°F. These temperature tolerances make it suitable for various climates but avoid extreme heat or cold exposure.
PruningPruning Labrador tea helps to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. It's best to prune right after flowering in late spring to early summer, as the plant sets the next year's bloom buds shortly after. Remove dead or diseased wood and thin out crowded areas, but overall, little pruning is required. Regular deadheading of spent flowers can also promote a healthier plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLabrador tea thrives in an acidic soil mix with a pH of 4.5-5.5. A mixture of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite in equal parts provides ideal aeration and moisture retention. Regular checks to maintain the acidic pH are advisable.
RepottingLabrador tea does not require frequent repotting; it should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot to prevent root-bound conditions and to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingLabrador tea prefers high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. It thrives in a moist environment, which can be maintained through regular misting or by placing the plant in a naturally humid space.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Partial sun, moist acidic soil, protected from wind.
Hardiness zone
2-6 USDA
Life cycleRhododendron groenlandicum, commonly known as Labrador tea, begins its life cycle as a seed, dispersed from mature capsules after flowering, often with the aid of wind. Upon finding suitable acidic and peaty soil, the seed germinates, and a seedling emerges, growing into a small shrub with evergreen leaves. The plant reaches sexual maturity in a few years and produces clusters of white to pale pink flowers in the spring, which are pollinated by insects. After pollination, these flowers develop into woody capsules that contain numerous small seeds. Throughout its life, Labrador tea continues to grow slowly, spreading through underground shoots to form extensive patches. This perennial plant can live for many years, with some specimens surviving for decades under appropriate environmental conditions.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Labrador Tea, Rhododendron groenlandicum, tends to be propagated most successfully through semi-hardwood cuttings during late summer. The appropriate time to take these cuttings is typically after the season's new growth has started to harden, which is often around July or August. To propagate, one would select a healthy stem of the current season's growth, making a cutting of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) long. It is beneficial to make the cut just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cutting end into a rooting hormone to promote root development. Then, the cutting is placed into a mix of moistened peat and perlite or sand, ensuring at least one node is buried where roots can form. The cutting needs to be kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once the roots are adequately formed, the new plant can be transferred to a more permanent growing location.
