# Marsh Pork (Rhododendron tomentosum)

**Swedish: Skvattram | English: Marsh Labrador Tea | Family: Heather family (Ericaceae)**

The Swamp Porst (*Rhododendron tomentosum*, syn. *Ledum palustre*), Swedish **Skvattram**, characterizes the aromatic air of Swedish pine moors. When the summer sun shines on the moor forests, the plant exudes a resinous, spicy scent that can be heard from far away.

The needle-like, leathery leaves have curled edges and a rusty-brown, tomentose underside. This hairiness protects the plant from evaporation and extreme cold in the Nordic winter.

## FAQs

- **Is swamp poultry poisonous?**: Yes, all parts of the plant contain the sesquiterpene ledol. Consuming or inhaling concentrated fumes indoors can cause headaches and intoxication.
- **What was Skvattram used for in the past?**: Traditionally, marsh possum branches were placed in huts and stables to drive away mosquitoes, moths and fleas. In the past it was also used as a beer wort (Grutbier).
- **How do you recognize the marsh porridge in the moor?**: On the soft white flower umbels in early summer and the narrow leaves with fox fur brown undersides.
- **What is the ecological significance of the shrub?**: It is a key species of acidic coniferous bog forests and provides nectar for specialist bumblebees and moths.
- **Can you pick swamp porridge?**: In small quantities, yes, but you should not place bouquets in sleeping areas because of the essential oils.
- **How does Marsh Porst survive the Lapland winter?**: Thanks to the thick wax layer on the leaves and the felt hairs, the plant can easily survive temperatures below -30 °C.


## Weitere Informationen

- Botanical illustration: Marsh porridge (Rhododendron tomentosum), in Swedish'Skvattram'.
- Heather family (Ericaceae)
- Nature, Taiga & Waters of Västerbotten
- Native to Northern Sweden
- An evergreen bog shrub with an intensely resinous scent. All parts of the plant contain the slightly toxic essential oil Ledol.
- Essential oil plant (Toxic, historical mosquito repellent)