New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a small, deciduous shrub that's a compact powerhouse for pollinators bringing charm and ecological value to any garden. Topping out around 3 feet tall, it features globe-shaped clusters of delicate white flowers from spring through summer, attracting butterflies, bees, and other beneficial insects.
This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained, sandy soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalized borders, pollinator gardens, or small-space landscapes. As a host plant for the Mottled Duskywing and Gray Hairstreak butterflies, it supports both adult pollinators and their caterpillars. Beautiful, resilient, and ecologically important, New Jersey Tea is a must-have for wildlife-friendly gardens.
- Shrub
- Size: up to 3 ft. tall
- Flower: White
- Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
- Moisture: Well-drained to dry
- Soil: Sand
- Drought tolerant
- Host plant for Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) and Gray Hairstreak (Strymon melinus)
/mp