Standard English Name(s):
Labrador tea
Local English Name(s):
Scientific Name(s): Ledum groenlandicum Oeder
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s):
Island Halkomelem Name(s): me'xwulhp
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Description, Habitat,
Ecology, & Distribution:
This small, much-branched evergreen shrub
bears long, often drooping leaves that are covered with dense, rusty
hairs on the lower surface. The clustered white flowers produce small,
drooping capsules. Labrador tea inhabits swamps and bogs from low to
middle elevations along the entire coast of the province.
Upriver Halkomelem Cultural
Role(s):
The leaves were gathered year round,
dried, and used to make a beverage tea.
Downriver Halkomelem
Cultural Role(s):
Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
The leaves of this bog-loving plant may
be used to make a fragrant tea.