Bog Labrador Tea (Rhododendron groenlandicum) is in the heath family family (Ericaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,008 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in June.
Nationally it blooms mainly from June to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Bog Labrador Tea: observations by month (U.S.)
About Bog Labrador Tea
Rhododendron groenlandicum (bog Labrador tea, formerly Ledum groenlandicum or Ledum latifolium), is a flowering shrub with white flowers and evergreen leaves that is used to make a herbal tea.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Bog Labrador Tea by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 254 | June | Jun–Jul |
| Maine | 206 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Vermont | 176 | June | Jun–Jun |
| New York | 108 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Minnesota | 78 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Wisconsin | 56 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Alaska | 39 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Michigan | 36 | June | Jun–Jun |
| Washington | 36 | June | May–Jun |
| Pennsylvania | 12 | May | May–Jun |
| Massachusetts | 7 | June | Jun–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (heath family)
Striped Wintergreen
Trailing Arbutus
Mountain Laurel
Ghost Pipe
Pipsissewa
Great Rhododendron
Sheep Laurel
Flame Azalea
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Bog Labrador Tea?
Nationally, June has the most observations, with the main season from June to June.
Where is Bog Labrador Tea most often seen?
The most observations come from New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont.