Ceanothus americanus
Common name: New Jersey Tea
One of a few true prairie shrubs left in Illinois, found almost exclusively in prairie remnants and open savannas. Its white flowers brighten the grassy expanses from late June to early August and can really bring in the pollinators. Needs full sun and well-drained soils to get best results in growth. Wet ground is not recommended. Though not a legume, it does fix nitrogen in nodules in the roots, adding nutrients to the soil. New Jersey Tea can be used as a fine tea, by using the leaves and flowers. In the past, it was also used to make a red dye, which was made by crushing the roots. We recommend that you add wire protection from rabbits and others for the first year.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Shrubs
Soil type
Dry, Dry Mesic
Light exposure
Eastern Exposure / Morning Sun, Full Sun
Bloom period
Summer
Urban environment
Uncompacted Urban Soils, Requires Protected Site
Habitat
Prairie Grasslands, Savannas
Growth form
Shrubby/Clump, Ground cover
Growth rate
Slow
Flower color
White
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 2 Feet
- Mature width
- 2 Feet
- Max height
- 4 Feet
- Max width
- 6 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Pollinator hot spot Nitrogen fixer
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