Labrador tea (Ledum columbianum)

Family: Ericaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring, they are a bayleaf substitute. — A tea is made from the leaves.; 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Near the coast in wet peaty places and open pine and redwood forests below 1000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)