Rhododendron lapponicum

(L.) Wahlenb.

Lapland rose-bay

Ericaceae Edible: Leaves - tea Some parts severely toxic — see hazards 3,036 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Rhododendron lapponicum is a dwarf species of Rhododendron native to arctic and subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is commonly known as Lapland Rosebay, Rhododendron de Laponie in French-speaking Canada, qijjuttaaqpait tipilitt (ᕿᔾᔪᑦᑖᖅᐸᐃᑦ ᑎᐱᓕᑦᑦ) in Inuktitut-speaking regions of Canada, and gāoshān dùjuān (高山杜鹃) in China. The specific epithet lapponicum was given to the species by Carl Linnaeus, naming it after the Swedish region of Lapland.

Description

A shrub. It is erect or can lie over. It has many branches. It grows 30 cm high. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are leathery and dark green above but rusty coloured with hairs underneath. The flowers are purple and have a faint scent.

Edible Uses

A tea can be made from the leaves and flower tips.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known

Distribution

It grows in alpine and subarctic regions. It grows on open stony or gravelly tundra. It grows on non-acid rocks. In north China it grows in damp places between sea level and 1,900 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Arctic, Asia, Canada, China, Europe, Greenland, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, North America, North Korea, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Siberia, USA,

Propagation

Sow seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in autumn, providing artificial light. Alternatively, sow in a lightly shaded part of a warm greenhouse in late winter, or in a cold greenhouse in April. Surface-sow and keep the compost consistently moist. Pot up seedlings once large enough to handle and grow on under glass for at least the first winter. Layering in late July takes 15–24 months. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken in August and rooted in a frame are easy.

Other Uses

None known

Synonyms

Azalea ferruginosa Pall.Azalea lapponica L.Azalea parvifolia (Adams) KuntzeRhododendron confertissimum NakaiRhododendron palustre Turcz.Rhododendron parvifolium Adamsand subsp.

References (4)

Fl. lapp. 104. 1812
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 559
Porsild, A.E., 1974, Rocky Mountain Wild Flowers. Natural History Series No. 2 National Museums of Canada. p 318
Urgamal, M., Oyuntsetseg, B., Nyambayar, D. & Dulamsuren, Ch. 2014. Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia. (Editors: Sanchir, Ch. & Jamsran, Ts.). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. “Admon“ Press. 334pp. (p. 79-90).