Ceanothus americanus
new jersey tea
Overview
Ceanothus americanus is a compact, deciduous shrub in the buckthorn family, native to dry woodlands, prairies, and rocky slopes across eastern and central North America. It grows 30-42 inches (75-105 cm) tall and 36-60 inches (90-150 cm) wide, forming a dense, rounded mound of thin, reddish stems. The leaves are oval, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) long, with three prominent veins and finely toothed margins, dull green above and paler beneath. From late spring into midsummer the shrub carries dense, long-stalked clusters of tiny white flowers, each cluster 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, held on the current season growth. Dry three-lobed seed capsules follow and split open sharply to scatter seed. The roots run deep, with a thick woody base and nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen, letting the plant grow on poor, dry ground. Foliage is browsed heavily by deer and rabbits, which can disfigure young plants. The dried leaves were brewed as a tea substitute during the colonial era, the source of the common name. The shrub resents root disturbance and transplants poorly once the taproot has formed.
Native Range
Native to eastern and central North America, from Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to Manitoba, Nebraska, and Texas, in dry prairies, oak savannas, and open rocky woods.Suggested Uses
Used in native shrub borders, dry sunny slopes, prairie and pollinator plantings, and for erosion control on poor soils. It serves as a larval host for azure butterflies and supports a wide range of native bees. The deep root system makes it suited to unirrigated, low-maintenance areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2'6" - 3'6"
Width/Spread3' - 5'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from May to July, on growth made the same season. The branched clusters open many tiny five-petaled white flowers that are lightly fragrant and draw numerous small bees and butterflies. Three-lobed capsules ripen by late summer and expel their seed as they dry.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dull greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight