Ledum columbianum (Ericaceae) Evergreen shrub

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Ledum columbianum
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Ledum columbianum plant species is found in Western N. America - Washington to California. It is a member of the Ericaceae family. Some home gardeners know the variety as L. glandulosum columbianum. (Piper.)Hitchk.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Ledum columbianum
Family:  Ericaceae
Author:  Piper.

Known Hazards:  Plants contain a narcotic toxin called Ledel. This toxin only causes problems if the leaves are cooked for a long period in a closed container[172].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Near the coast in wet peaty places and open pine and redwood forests below 1000 metres[184].

Cultivation Notes: Requires a lime-free loam or peaty soil[1, 11]. Prefers a moist humus-rich acid soil in shade or semi-shade[200]. Plants grow better if they have certain fungal associations in the soil. The best way of providing this is to incorporate some soil from around well-growing established plants into the soil for the new plant[200]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c[200]. The leaves are covered in tiny spots or glands from which a strong, resinous scent is given off[245]. The flowers also have an aromatic perfume[245]. Very closely related to L. glandulosum[1], and considered to be no more than a sub-species of it by some botanists[200]. Plants benefit from removing the dead flowers before they set seed[188]. This prevents them putting too much energy into seed production at the expense of more flowers and leaves.

For further Ledum columbianum gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future