Western labrador-tea (Rhododendron columbianum, Ann. Bot. Fenn. 27: 203 (1990))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: (Piper) Harmaja

Bibliography: Ann. Bot. Fenn. 27: 203 (1990)

Year: 1990

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rhododendron

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. U.S.A.

Description

Western labrador-tea, with its scientific moniker Rhododendron columbianum, is a remarkable member of the Ericaceae family. First recognized in a significant botanical study published in Ann. Bot. Fenn. in 1990, this intriguing species owes its classification to the contributions of author (Piper) Harmaja.

Native to the broad stretches of western Canada and the western United States, Western labrador-tea thrives in the cool, damp environments often found in these regions. The plant’s resilience and adaptability are hallmarks of the Ericaceae family, known for its hardy and often evergreen species.

Characterized by its dense, shrub-like appearance, Rhododendron columbianum boasts clusters of narrow, elongated leaves that feature a distinct rusty or woolly underside, a useful trait for surviving in harsh climates. In the blooming season, the plant reveals clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers, each exuding a subtle, sweet fragrance that attracts various pollinators.

Western labrador-tea has been a subject of interest not only for botanists but also for native cultures who traditionally utilized various parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. The tea derived from its leaves was historically consumed for its purported soothing and therapeutic properties, hence its common name.

Despite its modest size, typically growing to heights of 1 to 2 meters, Western labrador-tea plays a significant role in its native ecosystems. It often occupies swampy or boggy terrains, contributing to the intricate web of plant and animal interactions that sustain the biodiversity of these habitats.

Rhododendron columbianum’s hardiness and utility have earned it a spot in botanical gardens and conservation projects focused on preserving native plant species. Its presence in such initiatives underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity and understanding the ecological roles of native flora.

In summary, Western labrador-tea is not just a plant but a symbol of the resilient, interconnected natural world found across the western landscapes of North America. Its scientific and common names alike celebrate its significance and the enduring curiosity it inspires among botanists and plant enthusiasts.

Common Names

Eng: trapper’s-tea, western labrador tea, western labrador-tea, columbia rhododendron
Fra: rhododendron du columbia
En: Western Labrador-tea, Trapper’s-tea, Labrador tea, Western Labrador tea, Columbia rhododendron
Ar: ردندرة كولومبية
Fr: Rhododendron du Columbia
: Western labrador-tea

Synonyms

• Ledum groenlandicum subsp. glandulosum ((Nutt.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Ledum glandulosum subsp. columbianum ((Piper) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Rhododendron neoglandulosum (Harmaja)
• Ledum glandulosum (Nutt.)
• Ledum glandulosum var. australe (C.L.Hitchc.)
• Ledum glandulosum var. californicum ((Kellogg) C.L.Hitchc.)
• Ledum californicum (Kellogg)
• Ledum columbianum (Piper)
• Ledum glandulosum subsp. olivaceum (C.L.Hitchc.)
• Ledum glandulosum var. columbianum ((Piper) C.L.Hitchc.)

Distribution

• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jan 24, 2016 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 14, 2009 by EOL − Barry Breckling (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 29, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2011 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 14, 2007 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Andrew Mallady (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2014 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 30, 2015 by EOL − Damon Tighe (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 7, 2014 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Sep 3, 2015 by EOL − Rob Parker (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 18, 2001 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 1999 by EOL − Gladys Lucille Smith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2009 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2016 by EOL − Steven Thorsted (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 8, 2008 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:947975-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4165978)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron columbianum (Piper) Harmaja)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Slow

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 4.6