Labrador Tea

We pick Labrador Tea year round if we are out but usually try to pick our years supply in the winter. It is easier since labrador tea,  Ledum groenlandicum, grows in bogs and swamps and it's easier when the swamp is froze over. The leaves stay on year round. It often grows on sphagnum moss humps in association with leather leaf and wild blueberry. The leathery leaves have edges that roll under and the bottom of the leaf is cover with much white to rusty or gold hairs. The shrub is up to 3 feet tall and has very fragrant flowers between May and July. It makes a nice tea with a citrusy, piney, sort of flavor. We like to add wild ginger and either chaga or turkey tail mushroom. Since we heat with wood a pot of it can sit on the stove all day to stay warm. Don't let it brew too long as it will get very bitter. This is a fairly common plant in our area.