Western Labrador Tea

Rhododendron columbianum

Western Labrador Tea is a lovely shrub that grows in cool, wet places. Its leaves can be used to make a special tea that some people enjoy. The flowers are pretty and attract butterflies!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Western Labrador Tea has leathery, dark green leaves with distinct rusty-brown hairs on their undersides. Its small, star-shaped flowers are clustered at the stem tops, typically appearing white or creamy, making it stand out in damp, cool environments.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyEricaceaeGenusRhododendron

Western Labrador Tea

Interesting facts

Indigenous peoples brewed its leaves for a special, zingy tea for centuries!

Its leaves feel like soft felt underneath, covered in tiny, fuzzy hairs!

Some people believe its strong, woodsy scent can even help keep mosquitoes away!

This plant stays green all winter long, even when everything else is covered in snow!

Special abilities

Western Labrador Tea has woolly hairs under its leaves that trap warm air, protecting it from cold and preventing water loss.

This plant produces strong-smelling oils that may deter hungry animals from nibbling its leaves, keeping it safe.

Measurements & details

Height: 50-200 cm
Spread: 50-150 cm
Flower Size: 1-2 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: Mild
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Feeds on nectar and collects pollen.

pollinates

Northern Bumblebee

Bombus borealis

Important pollinator in its range.

eaten by

Mule Deer

Odocoileus hemionus

Browses on the plant's foliage.

eaten by

Moose

Alces alces

Feeds on the leaves and twigs.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Shrub

A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.

Evergreen

Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Medicinal

Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.

Edible

Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.