Ceanothus americanus aka New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus is a shrub called New Jersey tea. It sheds its leaves and belongs to the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. It grows wild in southeastern Canada. Its range also spans the central and eastern United States. It grows in open woods, meadows, prairies, and rocky places. Several stems form a dense, round crown. Most plants reach 2–3 feet [0.6–0.9 metres] tall. Some garden plants reach 4 feet [1.2 metres]. Their spread ranges from 3–5 feet [0.9–1.5 metres].

The broad leaves have an egg shape and toothed edges. Their tops are green, with gray hairs beneath. Young stems have hairs and look green to yellow. The yellow stems add interest once the leaves fall. Older stems turn woody and have brown bark with shallow pits. Deep, thick roots help the shrub cope with dry spells. These roots make plants hard to move once they take hold.

Small white flowers grow in scented groups near stem tips. They also grow from the upper leaf axils. These are the points where leaves join the stem. Bloom runs from May through July in many gardens. Chicago Botanic Garden reports blooms through August. Bees, butterflies, and moths come to feed on nectar. Wasps that hunt other insects come for nectar too. The shrub feeds the caterpillars of mottled duskywing. It also feeds spring azure and summer azure caterpillars. Hummingbirds visit the flowers, and songbirds eat the seeds. Small seed cases, or capsules, have three lobes. They turn from green-red to dark brown or black. Ripe capsules shoot out their seeds with force.

Grow this shrub in sun or part shade with good drainage. Sandy loam and rocky soil suit it well. It accepts soil that is dry to somewhat moist. Once plants take hold, they cope with drought and heat. They also cope with road salt and nearby black walnut. It grows in USDA zones 4–8 and needs little upkeep. Use it in borders, native gardens, or groups near foundations. Its roots help hold soil on banks and dry slopes. Few insects cause major harm, but some diseases can occur. These include leaf spot, powdery mildew, canker, and root rot. Wet soil raises the risk of root rot.

Dried leaves make a tea with no caffeine. This is not a standard tea brew. Native Americans used the plant for breathing ailments. Records also note use of roots and root bark as medicine. These reports do not prove that such treatments help. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. That does not prove safety for every use or for pets. Flowers can make a lather like soap. Parts of the plant also yield dyes.