USEFUL WILD PLANTS 



they are known as " myrtle " or "wild lilac "; but I 

 have not heard of their leaves being used like those 

 of the eastern species mentioned. These plants 

 will be referred to again in the chapter on Vege- 

 table Soaps. 



Another of the Revolutionary War substitutes was 

 the foliage of the so-called Labrador Tea (Ledum 

 Groenlandicum, Oeder), a low evergreen shrub of 

 cold bogs throughout Canada and the northeastern 

 United States as far south as Pennsylvania. A dis- 

 tinguishing feature is in the narrow, leathery leaves 

 with margins rolled back and a coating of rusty wool 

 on the under side. When pinched the foliage ex- 

 hales a slight fragrance. 



The familiar Sassafras of rich woods, old fields and 

 fencerows on the Atlantic side of the country at- 

 tracted attention very early in colonial days, and all 

 sorts of virtues as a remedial agent were ascribed 

 to it. During the Civil War, Sassafras tea became 

 a common substitute for the Chinese article, and as a 

 spring drink for purifying the system it still has 

 a hold on the popular affection. The root is the 

 part generally utilized, an infusion of the bark being 

 made which is aromatic and stimulant. The flowers 

 also may be similarly treated. 



Of the same family with the Sassafras and of 



144 



