New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Description:
Compact deciduous shrub 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. Blooms May to July with clusters of white flowers. Fragrant and attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Full sun to part shade, dry to moist soils, drought tolerant. Best in sandy loams or rocky soils with good drainage. Dried leaves were used as a caffeine-free tea substitute in the American Revolutionary War!
Plant Overview:
| Other Common Names: | Redroot |
| Plant Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Plant Duration: | Perennial |
| Plant Type: | Shrubs/Subshrub |
| South Jersey Native Range: | South Jersey, Pine Barrens Periphery |
| Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: | Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Birds, Bees |
| Bloom Time: | May to July |
| Global and State Rank: | S4, G5 |
| Commercially available landscape plant? | Yes |
Soil Characteristics: | |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Loam |
| Soil Moisture: | Moist, Dry |
| Soil pH: | Slightly Alkaline, Neutral, Slightly Acidic |
Light Needs: | |
| Opitmal Light: | Sun to partial shade |
| Light Range: | Sun, Partial Shade |
Water Needs of Plant: | |
| Soil Moisture: | Moist, Dry |