Pronounced (approximate): ro-do-DEN-dron grun-LAND-i-kum
White five-petaled flowers cluster at branch tips. Low woody branches carry persistent narrow leaves.
Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum): flowers and narrow leaves. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Ericaceae
Life cycle Evergreen shrub
Blooms Late spring–early summer
Height About 1–3 feet
Habitat Bogs, swamps, wet woods, and peaty shores
Common names
Labrador Tea · Bog Labrador Tea
Bloom timing and height vary with location. Native status refers to North America; see the regional range below.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Bogs, swamps, wet woods, and peaty shores. Flowering season: late spring–early summer.
Also found under the older botanical name Ledum groenlandicum. The rolled leaf edges are visible in several photographs.
White five-petaled flowers cluster at branch tips.
Leathery leaves have rolled-under edges and woolly undersides.
Look for evergreen shrub growth in bogs, swamps, wet woods, and peaty shores. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
17 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native across subarctic North America, Greenland, and the northern United States.
Reported U.S. native distribution
AK, CT, ID, ME, MA, MI, MN, NH, NY, OR, PA, VT, WA, WI
State records describe documented distribution, not presence in every county. The observation map shows reported sightings and may include cultivated plants.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Labrador Tea in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.