New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus is a compact shrub growing 2-4 feet tall with fragrant white flowers and toothed green leaves. It attracts butterflies and feeds birds. It thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant.

• The flowers attract butterflies and the seeds feed birds.
• Thick, woody, red roots go deep and help plant withstand droughty conditions.
• Dried leaves make an excellent tea that, although caffeine-free, was very popular during the Revolutionary War period.