A low-growing, compact shrub that’s excellent for hot, dry sites. Billows of delicate white flowers form at the end of young branches in May and June. Clusters of small black fruit form in July and August. Animals including gamebirds use the seeds as food. Was a substitute for tea during the American Revolution. Dried (caffeine free) leaves when boiled a few minutes make a tea similar to Lipton’s regular. Note: This resource on this edible plant is intended as general information only. As with any foods, there is a potential for allergic reactions when consuming native edibles. Always seek the advice of a health professional with any questions about touching or eating any plant matter.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade

Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Hummingbird, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators

Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
2 to
4
feet
Spread:
2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 2 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Shrub borders or background plant in border or native garden. Also effective as a shrubby ground cover in difficult areas such as rocky slopes. Roots fix nitrogen.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in light, well-drained soil. Tolerates dry conditions and rocky soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Edible, Fragrant, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.