Ledum

This small evergreen shrub with upright branches resembles an azalea in growth habit. The dark, shiny green leaves are narrow and leathery, with edges curled under, and have a thick covering of copper colored felt on the undersides. Leaves emit a spicy, citrusy fragrance when crushed. The white, star-shaped flowers, which are borne in rounded clusters at branch tops in late spring or summer, are quite striking. A pleasant, mildly spicy beverage can be brewed from the leaves; used by Revolutionary War and Civil War soldiers as a tea substitute. Labrador tea also has moth repellent qualities. Prefers cool or cold, moist, sandy, acidic soil. Tolerant of wet locations and partial shade. Under favorable conditions Labrador tea can spread by root suckers to form a small colony. Siting the plant in a cool, partly shaded location can help to keep it happy in the warmer portions of its range of cultivation.