Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum)

Gitxsan name:  sgan daxdoo'ohl
Wet'suwet'en name:  lidï misgik

Botanical Description

• evergreen, many-branched shrub, 0.3-0.8 metres tall, twigs have dense rusty hairs with spicy fragrance
• narrow, oblong to lance shaped leaves that droop with rolled under margins, leathery, deep green above with dense rusty hairs underneath
• small, numerous white flowers in short umbrella-like clusters, protruding stamens
• found in peatlands and moist coniferous woods, low to medium elevations

Photo courtesy of Frank Boas (52kB)

Ethnobotanical Description

The fresh or dried leaves were boiled to make an aromatic tea that was consumed in moderation to avoid drowsiness or could be brewed as a medicine with other traditional herbs.. An excess can act as strong diuretic, cathartic or can cause intestinal disturbances.

| Food-Related | Technical |Medicinal | Home |
| Glossary | Feedback | Production Team | Credits |

This digital collection was produced under contract to the SchoolNet Digital Collection Program, Industry Canada.
Revised: 08/21/98