DCHP-1 Online
country tea Obs. 
1 either of two closely related evergreen shrubs, Ledum groenlandicum and L. decumbens var. palustre.
See also: Labrador tea (def. 1a)
- 1791 (1934) [There is] plenty of the Country tea or Wis sa kay puck kay--a small shrub.
- 1821 (1823) We had no tripe de roche that day, but drank an infusion of the country tea plant, which was grateful for its warmth, although it afforded no sustenance.
2 an infusion made from the leaves of L. groenlandicum or from the flowers of L. palustre.
See also: Labrador tea (def. 1b)
- 1887 The Labrador or country tea . . . was used very extensively in the country before our entrance into Confederation. In the hay and harvest fields it was considered by many of the old settlers of the Red River colony to be superior to any other beverage in allaying thirst. I know homes in this country where this tea is still used.
- 1791 (1934) [There is] plenty of the Country tea or Wis sa kay puck kay--a small shrub.