Labrador-tea

An evergreen shrub reaching 3 feet, widely distributed across arctic and subarctic North America. Conspicuous white flowers in clusters at the branch tips, each about ½ inch across with 5 petals. Historically used by indigenous peoples to brew Labrador tea from the leaves.

Hardy in Zone 2a-8b, one of the most cold-tolerant members of the genus. The ethnobotanical history is significant; Labrador tea has been used for centuries across northern cultures. Acidic, well-drained soil. Twenty-one diseases and 15 pests documented at the genus level. All parts contain grayanotoxins and are toxic if ingested.