Ceanothus americanus

New Jersey Tea

New Jersey tea is a dense shrub that is ideally suited for the edge of the woods or along the back of a border. It's habit is full and its leaves are bright green throughout the summer. Billowing clusters of tiny, fragrant white flowers appear on long stems in late spring and early summer. Ceanothus makes a lovely and fragrant cut flower! Young twigs are noticeably yellow and provide subtle winter interest.

Homeowner Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow New Jersey Tea in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun or part shade. It grows well in sandy loams or rocky soils with good drainage, but is equally at home in average garden soils. It is not tolerant of wet soils. The thick roots of Ceanothus go deep and help plant withstand drought, but make established shrubs difficult to transplant.

Height 3-4 Feet

Spread 3-5 Feet

Native Range Ceanothus americanus occurs in prairies, glades, dry open woods and thickets in most states east of the Rockies. USDA Distribution Map

Native Trivia Dried leaves were used as a tea substitute in American Revolutionary War times since tea was hard to find. Alas, New Jersey Tea has no caffeine.

USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

"New Jersey Tea is a choice food for the larvae of many butterflies and moths."

Characteristics & Attributes

Plan Sub Group • Medium to Tall Shrubs	Exposure • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade • Sun • Filtered Shade	Soil • Wide soil tolerance	Soil Moisture Preference • Dry • Moist but well-drained • Average
Attracts Wildlife • Butterflies • Songbirds • Beneficial insects	Bloom Time • Late Spring / Early Summer	Habitat Collection • Butterfly	Native Habitat • Forest • Grassland
Foliage Color • Green	Uses • Fragrant • Border • Naturalizes • Hedge, screen • Drought tolerant • Mass plant