New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

Rhamnaceae

Growth Habit

Shrub

Propagation

soak in hot water, then cold/moist stratify

Biocultural Value

Tribes of the Missouri River region use the leaves for tea and the roots for fuel on hunting trips. Tribes of the Great Lakes Bioregion ascribed great power to its treatment of bowel troubles. It is a strong astringent (8 percent tannins) and contains an alkaloid that is mildly hypotensive. The leaves contain the flavonols afzelin, quercitrin, and rutin. It was used by colonists during the Revolutionary War as a substitute for tea even though the leaves contained no caffeine. Recently it was discovered that the roots contain a blood-clotting agent.

Wildlife Value

Because of its deep root system, it is great for use in erosion control on slopes, but this characteristic also makes it difficult to transplant. Use this shrub in foundations, as a specimen, shrub borders, native plantings or in groupings. Rabbit, elk and deer browse New Jersey tea and turkey and quail eat the fruit. The small flowers attract numerous insects, especially bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Butterflies and moths visit the flowers occasionally. These insects collect nectar from the flowers, although bees may also collect pollen. The caterpillars of the butterfly Celestina neglecta (summer azure) and the skipper Erynnis martialis (Mottled Duskywing) feed on the flowers, flower buds, and fruit.

Location

Bald Hill and Caroline Pinnacles, Edwards Lake Cliffs Preserve, Mundy Wildflower Garden

Cultivation

sun-pt shade; dry & rocky soil; low-med water

Description

Low, compact shrub with slender, upright branches reaching 3'-5' in height and as much or more in width. Flowers perfect, white, borne in 1"-2" long corymbose panicles at the ends of the stems in June and July. Fall color tan or yellow.

Source of plant

Companion Plants, Prairie Moon Nursery, Prairie Moon Nursery, Ruth Nix

USDA Hardiness Zone

4