Ledum
Quick Summary
The genus Ledum formerly comprised shrubs in the Ericaceae family, found in cold regions. These shrubs are characterized by having separate petals and a capsule that opens from the bottom. Plants from this genus are commonly known as Labrador tea.12
The genus Ledum has been eliminated and its species are now classified under the genus Rhododendron. These plants, such as Bog Labrador tea (R. groenlandicum), are low-growing evergreen shrubs. Their fragrant leaves have historically been used by indigenous peoples to make tea and in traditional herbal medicines. However, some species can be toxic. "Ledum camphor" refers to ledol.23
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Labrador tea…in the now eliminated genus Ledum, which differed from Rhododendron only in having separate, not fused, petals and capsules that open from the bottom first.
Read More…in the now eliminated genus Ledum, which differed from Rhododendron only in having separate, not fused, petals and capsules that open from the bottom first.
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rhododendronMajor species…formerly placed in the genus Ledum. Bog Labrador tea (R. groenlandicum), marsh Labrador tea (R. tomentosum), and western Labrador tea (R. columbianum) are native to North America and have been used by native peoples to make tea.
Read More…formerly placed in the genus Ledum. Bog Labrador tea (R. groenlandicum), marsh Labrador tea (R. tomentosum), and western Labrador tea (R. columbianum) are native to North America and have been used by native peoples to make tea.
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