How much sun does Labrador tea need?

Labrador tea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Labrador tea bloom?

Labrador tea blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Labrador tea native?

Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is native to CT, ID, MA, ME and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Labrador tea toxic to dogs?

Yes. Labrador tea is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Labrador tea toxic to cats?

Yes. Labrador tea is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

What pollinators does Labrador tea attract?

Labrador tea draws bees and flies.

Labrador tea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhododendron groenlandicum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Labrador tea is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CT, ID, MA, ME and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

A low, aromatic evergreen shrub of peat bogs and wet, acidic ground, with narrow, leathery leaves that are fuzzy and rust-colored underneath. Rounded clusters of small white flowers appear in early summer.

Wildlife value

Bog-adapted flowers provide nectar for bees and flies in a habitat with relatively few other blooming shrubs.

Common questions

How much sun does Labrador tea need?: Labrador tea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Labrador tea bloom?: Labrador tea blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Labrador tea native?: Labrador tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is native to CT, ID, MA, ME and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Labrador tea toxic to dogs?: Yes. Labrador tea is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Labrador tea toxic to cats?: Yes. Labrador tea is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
What pollinators does Labrador tea attract?: Labrador tea draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

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