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

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 • Jul. 19, 2017

He uses the rest of the hare to make stock, which he reduces to a sauce and finishes with toasted yeast or Labrador tea to give it “woodsy notes.”

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2017

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

From New York Times • Oct. 21, 2016

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

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2016

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

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George