Quick answer: Bog Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum) is native to 11 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Jason Hollinger, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium |
| Soil | Acid, wet to moist, peat/muck |
| Bloom | May-Aug |
| Height | Up to 5 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts butterflies, larval host for Northern Blue |
All plant parts highly toxic and potentially fatal; symptoms: salivation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, breathing difficulty, progressive paralysis; andromedotoxin
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Bog Labrador tea
Where is Bog Labrador tea native?
Bog Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum) is native to 11 states across the Northeast and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Bog Labrador tea bloom?
Bog Labrador tea blooms May-Aug. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Bog Labrador tea need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium. Soil: Acid, wet to moist, peat/muck. Mature height: Up to 5 ft.
Is Bog Labrador tea good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts butterflies, larval host for Northern Blue.
Is Bog Labrador tea deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Bog Labrador tea is tolerates shade and handles wet soil.
Is Bog Labrador tea toxic?
All plant parts highly toxic and potentially fatal; symptoms: salivation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weakness, breathing difficulty, progressive paralysis; andromedotoxin.
Where can I buy Bog Labrador tea?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Ledum groenlandicum by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Bog Labrador tea.
- Creeping snowberry Gaultheria hispidula
- Sheep laurel Kalmia angustifolia
- Southern arrowwood Viburnum dentatum
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Blue vervain Verbena hastata
- Tamarack Larix laricina
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.