western Labrador tea

Western Labrador tea, also known as Rhododendron columbianum, is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to the Rocky Mountain region of North America. It belongs to the heath family, Ericaceae, and was formerly classified under the genus Ledum.12

This plant, along with related species like bog Labrador tea (R. groenlandicum) and marsh Labrador tea (R. tomentosum), has leaves that have been traditionally used by native peoples to make tea and for herbal medicines. However, it is important to note that these plants can be toxic. The leaves are elliptical with recurved margins and have a rusty wool on the underside, while the flowers are white or creamy.12