Species Native To New England
Rhododendron groenlandicum

Rhododendron groenlandicum in Salem, New Hampshire
Picture by S & J Perkins

Rhododendron groenlandicum, the Labrador tea, is native to New England. Unlike Rhododendron lapponicum, this scaly small leafed plant (formerly classified in the genus Ledum) is commonly found below tree line in the White Mountains. Although Labrador tea is very hardy, brown winter burn on the previous years foliage is common when planted in an unsheltered location. The white hairs on the stems and underside of the leaves of the new foliage turn brown by summer.