Labrador tea

Ledum columbianum

Physical Characteristics

Ledum columbianum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Western N. America - Washington to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment Tea A tea is made from the leaves[172, 257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. It would be better to brew the tea in cold water by leaving it in a sunny place, or to make sure that it is brewed for a short time only in an open container. The leaves are used as a flavouring, they are a bayleaf substitute[172].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Laxative Stomachic The leaves and young flowering shoots re astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative and stomachic.

Known Hazards

Plants contain a narcotic toxin called Ledel. This toxin only causes problems if the leaves are cooked for a long period in a closed container[172].