Labrador tea

American  

noun

1. a North American bog shrub, Ledum groenlandicum, of the heath family, having evergreen leaves and rounded clusters of white flowers.

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Labrador tea British  

noun

1. either of two arctic evergreen ericaceous shrubs, Ledum groenlandicum or L. palustre var. decumbens

2. (in Canada) an infusion brewed from the leaves of either of these plants

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Etymology

Origin of Labrador tea

An Americanism dating back to 1760–70

Example Sentences

The gin, served in the draft cocktails, is made with regional botanicals that include peppery devil’s club, sweet spruce tips and woodsy Labrador tea, much of which the couple forage themselves.

From Washington Post

One of Mr. Charles’s favorite creations is grilled whelk on a skewer of Labrador tea, a fragrant, medicinal plant used by indigenous peoples.

From New York Times

Pale corydalis and harebell grew near the shore; sphagnum, leatherleaf and Labrador tea in the swampy sections of the hike.

From New York Times

Across the parking lot were bluebells, cottony willow plants, white-flowered Labrador tea, mountain avens and blue forget-me-nots.

From Washington Post

I wake early, pick a few Labrador tea leaves and brew them in Bando’s tin cup.

From Literature