Ericaceae FAMILY

Rhododendron columbianum

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & Hazards

Plants contain a narcotic toxin called Ledol - this is a sesquiterpene that can cause cramps, paralysis, and delirium. Ledol is also said to have various beneficial effects if consumed in the correct dosage and it is said that, when ingested as a herbal tea, it only causes problems if the leaves are cooked for a long period in a closed container[ 172 Title Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest. Publication Author Schofield. J. J. Publisher Alaska Northwest Books; Alaska Year 2003 ISBN 0882403699 Description A nice guide to some useful plants in that area. ].

Botanical Description

Rhododendron columbianum is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow up to 2 metres tall[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeWestern N. America - British Colombia and Alberta, south to California and Colorado

HabitatBogs, swamps, stream margins, sometimes on well-drained sites; at elevations from sea level to 3,500 metres[ 270 Title Flora of N. America Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An on-line version of the flora with an excellent description of the plant including a brief mention of plant uses. ].