Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey tea)

New Jersey tea is a compact, dense, rounded deciduous shrub. Its common name derives from the fact that its dried, wintergreen-scented leaves were used as a substitute for imported tea (caffeine-free) in the American Revolution. Grows 2–3' tall. It is easily grown in average, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Best in sandy loams or rocky soils with good drainage. Thick, woody, red roots go deep and help plant withstand drought conditions, but can make established shrubs difficult to transplant. Cylindrical clusters of tiny, fragrant, white flowers appear on long stalks in late spring. Young twigs are noticeably yellow and stand out in winter. 

New Jersey tea is native to all of eastern and midwestern U.S. This is a wildlife-friendly shrub that attracts lots of pollinators. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees seek nectar and pollen from the flowers. Butterfly and moth larvae eat the shrub's shoots. Seeds are consumed by wild turkeys and quail. Maryland DNR lists as deer-resistant. 

Photo by Kathy Thornton

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