New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus
New Jersey tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Rhamnaceae family, native to Prairies and open woods of eastern and central North America. It grows 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) tall and 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 80 cm (31 in) apart.
Plan New Jersey tea in your garden →
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New Jersey tea at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1 m (24 in–3.3 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 80 cm (31 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: dried leaves (caffeine-free tea) |
| Native to | Prairies and open woods of eastern and central North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is New Jersey tea toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with New Jersey tea
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about New Jersey tea
- How far apart should I plant New Jersey tea?
- About 80 cm (31 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft).
- Does New Jersey tea need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does New Jersey tea need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is New Jersey tea?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does New Jersey tea flower?
- From about June for 4–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is New Jersey tea poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with New Jersey tea?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for New Jersey tea. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- A tallgrass prairie plant: deep roots make it drought-proof once established; it wants sun and lean soil (rich soil makes it flop). Leave the stems standing in winter for seed-eating birds and overwintering insects.
- A low, rounded shrub covered in early summer with fluffy clusters of tiny white flowers that hum with small bees and wasps. Its roots fix nitrogen with Frankia bacteria. During the American Revolution colonists brewed its leaves as a substitute for taxed tea.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Jujube Ziziphus jujuba
- Blue blossom (California lilac) Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
- Christ’s thorn jujube (sidr) Ziziphus spina-christi
- Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) Ziziphus mauritiana
- Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) Hovenia dulcis
- Italian buckthorn (alaternus) Rhamnus alaternus
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron