Etymology: Ledum: from the Greek ledon, "cistus," for the plant now known as Cistus, unclear how this relates to Ledum
Plants: erect, perennial, 1 1/2'-3' tall shrub; stems densely orange-hairy
Leaves: stalkless, evergreen, thick, alternate, lance-like to elliptical, edges turning downward, woolly, often with orangish hairs beneath
Flowers: white, 5-parted, 1/3" wide, petals all separate; inflorescence with many, long-stalked flowers in a crowded, branched cluster (corymb) at the ends of the stem; blooms May-June
Fruits: oval capsule
Habitat: wet; forests, bogs, cliffs
Conservation Status: Native