Diminutive shrub with white flower clusters that are visited by pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, in April and May. Flowers are replaced by black fruits which mature from late summer into fall and provide food for birds. Host plant for larvae of mottled duskywing and spring azure butterflies, and provides nesting habitat for songbirds. Red dye can be obtained from the roots.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Prairie Red Root
Ceanothus herbaceus
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
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, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
3 to
4
feet
Spread:
2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Size
Height: 3 to
4
feet
Spread: 2 to
3
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Rock gardens and native plant gardens, including sites with rocky slopes. Similar to New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus herbaceus) but with earlier blooms and narrower leaves.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Plant in well-drained soil and protect young plants from deer and rabbits if necessary. Avoid disturbing roots of established plants. Will enrich soil by fixing nitrogen.
Special Features
Ornamental Fruits / Seed Pods / Seed Heads
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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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.