Ceanothus americanus, commonly known as New Jersey Tea, is a compact deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. It features clusters of fragrant white flowers in early to mid summer and is well known for providing value to pollinators and wildlife.
Height & Spread: 24 - 36 in x 24 - 36 in
Bloom Time: June to July
Light Requirements: Full sun to part sun
Soil Preference: Dry to medium, well drained soil; tolerates rocky or sandy soils
Watering Needs: Low; deep rooted and drought tolerant
Deer Resistance: Occasionally browsed but generally deer resistant once mature
Native Status
This species is native to much of eastern and central North America, occurring naturally in prairies, open woods, and dry upland habitats.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Hosts caterpillars of butterflies such as Spring Azure and Mottled Duskywing, and attracts adult pollinators with its fragrant blooms.
Bees
- Flowers are visited by a wide range of native bees including sweat bees, mining bees, and small carpenter bees during peak summer bloom.
Birds
- Seed capsules are eaten by wild turkey, quail, and songbirds such as towhees and sparrows. Dense structure provides cover and nesting habitat.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 24 - 36 in apart to allow room for branching and flowering display.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for native plant gardens, dry slopes, or pollinator strips. Blends well in meadow plantings, open woodland edges, or rocky restorations.
Companion Plants
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Offers vertical texture and pairs well in dry soils with Ceanothus’ mounding form.
- Echinacea pallida (Pale Purple Coneflower) - Adds delicate, nodding blooms that attract pollinators alongside Ceanothus.
- Asclepias tuberosa (Butterfly Weed) - Provides vibrant color and host plant benefits for Monarchs in similar dry, sunny sites.
- Penstemon digitalis (Beardtongue) - Contrasts with white flowers and attracts hummingbirds and early pollinators.
- Bouteloua curtipendula (Sideoats Grama) - Adds movement and subtle color to drought tolerant native plantings.