New Jersey tea

Plant Type

Shrub (less than 10 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

2 - 3 ft. tall
3 - 5 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought, Salt Exposure

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Plant Propagation Notes

Can be propagated by seed, and cuttings of soft or semi-hardwood.

Seeds may need scarification and soaking. They also need a 60 – 90 day stratification.

Plant Planting Notes

This plant can be difficult to transplant due to its deep root system.

Plants/Diseases

It is susceptible to leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rot (in wet soil).

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae

Leaves

Leaves are simple, entire, alternate, oblong to ovate, and feel rough They are 3 – 6 inches long and 1 – 3 inches wide. The fall color is gold/yellow.

Flowers

The flower panicle consists of many small cream/tan, pink, or white flowers. The flowering period is typically from May to June.

Fruit

The small, 3-lobed seed capsules mature to dark brown/black and are present in the summer.

Bark

The bark is dark brown.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

Edibility

The dry leaves can be used to make a tea.

Ethnobotanical Use

Native Americans used it to treat respiratory infections as a tea.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Occurs in open deciduous forests, forest edges, and meadows.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

New Jersey tea can be found throughout South Carolina.

Subspecies

Ceanothus americanus var. americanus

Ceanothus americanus var. intermedius