New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
This is a deciduous compact, dense, rounded shrub with tiny, fragrant white flowers. It has a deep root system which makes it good for use in erosion control on slopes. The dried leaves were used as a tea substitute, without caffeine, during the Revolutionary War. The young twigs are noticeably yellow and stand out during winter. This plant is a good addition to a butterfly, drought tolerant, rain garden or nighttime garden.
Height: 3-4’
Spread: 3-5’
Pot size: 2 gal
Bloom time: May to July with white fragrant blooms that are long-lasting
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Dry to medium well-drained soil. Can withstand droughty conditions.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, songbirds and specialized bees. Food source for the larvae of the Mottled Duskywing, Spring Azure and Summer Azure butterflies.
Deer resistance: Moderate
Companion Plants: Butterfly weed, Goldenrod, Echinacea Pupura
Photo Credit: Glover
Second Photo: Mike Adamovic
Ceanothus americanus
This is a deciduous compact, dense, rounded shrub with tiny, fragrant white flowers. It has a deep root system which makes it good for use in erosion control on slopes. The dried leaves were used as a tea substitute, without caffeine, during the Revolutionary War. The young twigs are noticeably yellow and stand out during winter. This plant is a good addition to a butterfly, drought tolerant, rain garden or nighttime garden.
Height: 3-4’
Spread: 3-5’
Pot size: 2 gal
Bloom time: May to July with white fragrant blooms that are long-lasting
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Dry to medium well-drained soil. Can withstand droughty conditions.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, songbirds and specialized bees. Food source for the larvae of the Mottled Duskywing, Spring Azure and Summer Azure butterflies.
Deer resistance: Moderate
Companion Plants: Butterfly weed, Goldenrod, Echinacea Pupura
Photo Credit: Glover
Second Photo: Mike Adamovic
Ceanothus americanus
This is a deciduous compact, dense, rounded shrub with tiny, fragrant white flowers. It has a deep root system which makes it good for use in erosion control on slopes. The dried leaves were used as a tea substitute, without caffeine, during the Revolutionary War. The young twigs are noticeably yellow and stand out during winter. This plant is a good addition to a butterfly, drought tolerant, rain garden or nighttime garden.
Height: 3-4’
Spread: 3-5’
Pot size: 2 gal
Bloom time: May to July with white fragrant blooms that are long-lasting
Light: Full sun to part shade
Moisture: Dry to medium well-drained soil. Can withstand droughty conditions.
Attracts: Hummingbirds, songbirds and specialized bees. Food source for the larvae of the Mottled Duskywing, Spring Azure and Summer Azure butterflies.
Deer resistance: Moderate
Companion Plants: Butterfly weed, Goldenrod, Echinacea Pupura
Photo Credit: Glover
Second Photo: Mike Adamovic