Rhododendron groenlandicum (form. Ledum groenlandicum) - Labrador Tea is found in most states in the northern tier of of the U.S., throughout all of Canada and, yes, Greenland. Sadly, it is endangered in many of the states in which it has naturally evolved. Its evergreen leaves are sticky, hairy thickly textured stubby lances. Labrador Tea's pretty white fragrant flowers atop the stems in spring are simply beautiful - small stars clustered with relatively long anthers. I don't care if the taxonomist(s) have lumped this one in with the rhodies. I still like the name "Ledum". And though the pure science supersedes the seemingly perpetual annoyance of name changes one cannot help but wonder: when will the "splitters" pull this new toy away from the "groupers" only to elevate Ledum to its former singular designation once again?

On planet Taxonomy

A warring generation arises:

One group is "splitter"

And another, "grouper"

We're in a stupor - all a jitter

Dizzy and bitter

Amidst we are caught

Scrambled in endless onslaught

At their ungodly surprises.

Found naturally in peat bogs, damp woods and on wet shores - not taxonomists, but Ledum... I mean Rhododendron - site this attractive ericaceous shrub in full to half sun planted in fertile, acid and moisture retaining soil. Cutting grown.

From Garvin P. (PA) on 6.3.2015: Wayne, Got the plants today and they're beautiful. I'm still in shock in all honesty. Too bad you only had four of them. Best looking mail-order plant I've ever received. I'll definitely be browsing your site again to see if there's anything else I want. Thank you!