Species PlantsLabrador Tea

Labrador Tea

Rhododendron groenlandicum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum)

Labrador Tea is a low evergreen shrub of bogs and boreal forests, with strongly aromatic leaves covered in rusty-orange wool on the underside. Its white flower clusters are an important early-season nectar source in the boreal zone. The dried leaves have been used as tea by indigenous and colonial peoples, though large quantities may be mildly toxic.

Habitat
Sphagnum bogs, boreal forests, and tundra across northern North America
Diet
Flowers provide early nectar for native bees; browsed by caribou
How common
Common

Recent Labrador Tea sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Labrador Tea? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More plants

Adam's Needle
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Adonis Blazingstar
Adonis Blazingstar
Mentzelia multiflora
Allegheny Blackberry
Allegheny Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Mimulus ringens
Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
American Alumroot
American Alumroot
Heuchera americana
American Basswood
American Basswood
Tilia americana
American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana