Ceanothus sanguineus aka Teatree

Ceanothus sanguineus is a deciduous shrub in the buckthorn family. Its common names include redstem ceanothus, buckbrush, and Oregon tea. It grows wild in western North America. Its range runs from southern British Columbia to northern California. It also reaches Idaho and Montana farther inland. Wild plants grow on rocky ridges, bluffs, and woodland edges. This species is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The shrub stands upright, with loose branches and thin stems. Garden references give heights of 3–10 feet [0.9–3 metres]. Plants For A Future gives a smaller height of 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The smooth stems turn red or purple-red. Their colour adds interest after the leaves fall in autumn. Buds often sit on short stalks. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf is thin, with an oval or broad egg shape. The edges have teeth, and three veins start at the base. The upper side is dark green and lacks hairs. The underside is paler, with hairs along its veins.

Small white flowers grow in dense clusters. Oregon State also records flowers with a pink tint. Plants For A Future places flowering in May and June. Each flower has both male and female parts. Bees pollinate the flowers. Plants can bloom in their second year from seed. The fruit is a small, rounded capsule with three lobes. These smooth capsules grow in clusters. Sources differ on the length of the flower clusters.

Give this shrub sun or light shade and good drainage. It grows in dry or moist sandy and loamy soils. It accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soil. Some lime is tolerated, but shallow chalk is unsuitable. Hardiness reports differ: Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 4–8. Oregon State lists hardiness to zone 7. Growth is fast, and the plant can fix nitrogen. Plant it while small, since it dislikes root disturbance. Avoid heavy pruning; use light cuts in spring instead. It suits beds and sunny woodland edges.

The leaves can be used to make tea. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every use. Traditional uses include powdered bark dressings for burns, sores, and wounds. Flowers yield a green dye. Crushed plant parts mixed with water make a cleansing lather. Flowers and young seed cases provide material for this soap.