About Rhododendron columbianum (Piper) Harmaja
Rhododendron columbianum (Piper) Harmaja is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) in height, and spreads through underground rhizomes. Its leaves are ovate to lanceolate in shape, and give off a fragrance when crushed. The leaves grow very close to the stem, and their undersides are covered in tiny white hairs. Its flowers range in color from white to cream, and grow in clusters holding between 10 and 35 individual flowers. This species has been used medicinally as a tea that carries astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, and laxative properties. However, the plant can be toxic if the tea is steeped for too long. The fragrance from its crushed leaves is known to be useful for repelling insects and rodents.
