June 6 - Labrador Tea

The labrador tea (Ledum palustre ssp. groenlandicum) is just starting to bloom in the tundra and taiga forests.  It should be very abundant by middle June.  These small flowers grow in clusters at the end of the shrub's branch.  The leaves have a nice aroma and have historically been used in folk medicine for colds and other ailments using a weak concentration; 1 tsp of dried leaves for 1 cup of boiling water.  Stronger concentrations may cause horrific headaches.   Leaves are also used to keep moths away from clothes.