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New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): Native Nitrogen-Fixing Shrub

Overview

New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a compact, deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It produces fluffy white flower clusters in early summer and fixes nitrogen via root nodules. Leaves were used as a tea substitute during the American Revolution.

Botanical Details

Family:	Rhamnaceae
Genus:	Ceanothus (see-an-OH-thus)
Species:	americanus (a-mer-ih-KAY-nus)
Synonym:	Ceanothus americanus var. intermedius
Synonym:	Ceanothus americanus var. pitcheri
Synonym:	Ceanothus intermedius

Landscape Value

Excellent for native gardens, slopes, and dry sites. Deep roots make it drought-tolerant. Attracts pollinators. Host plant for several butterfly species. Deer resistant.

Herbs: Best Climbing Roses for Small Trellises in Partial Shade: New Jersey Recommendations; Why Grafting a Hybrid Tea onto a Wild Rose Won't Increase Blooms; Can Tropical Hibiscus Survive a New Jersey Winter? No—Here's What to Do; Jiaogulan (Gynostemma pentaphyllum): Sweet Tea Vine and Adaptogen; Stone Mint (Cunila origanoides): Native Perennial with Oregano-Thyme Fragrance; Ceanothus americanus: New Jersey Tea for Poor Soils; × Heucherella 'Sweet Tea': Bronze Foliage for Heat and Humidity; New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus): A Compact, Butterfly-Magnet Shrub for Dry, Sunny Sites; Touring a New American Garden in New Jersey: The Garden at Federal Twist; California Wild Lilac (Ceanothus) – Waterwise Evergreen Shrub with Blue Flowers

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