Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)

Ceanothus americanus, also known as New Jersey tea, is a deciduous shrub that grows 2-3' tall and up to 3-5' wide in a rounded, compact form. This plant's common name, New Jersey tea, was coined during the era of the American revolutionary war because its leaves were used as a substitute for imported tea. New Jersey tea features glossy, fragrant leaves and numerous clusters of bright white flowers in the mid to late summer which attract a wide variety of pollinators.

Ceanothus americanus prefers full to part sun and medium to dry, well-drained soil, although deep tap roots make this shrub drought tolerant; this comes at the cost of becoming difficult to move once established. Although many fragrant species are deer and rabbit resistant, New Jersey tea is unfortunately susceptible to deer and rabbit damage, but as a food source for mammals, as well as pollinators, its ecological value is obvious and widespread. Ceanothus americanus makes a low-growing shrub for a variety of home garden locations, and makes for a unique statement piece with some interesting botanical history.