New Jersey tea
Ceanothus americanus L.
New Jersey tea is a compact, rounded deciduous shrub of open woods, woodland edges and meadows. Fragrant creamy-white flower clusters stand out against its broad, textured leaves. NC State Extension
Recognizing the plant
The combination of a rounded shrubby habit, broad textured foliage and small creamy-white flowers gathered into clusters helps distinguish this plant from an herbaceous meadow flower. NC State Extension
When it blooms
North Carolina regional guidance (NC State Extension)
NC State gives May through June as the usual flowering period. Conditions at an individual woodland edge or garden can shift that timing. NC State Extension
Native range
Native to southeastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. NC State records the species across North Carolina. Kew Plants of the World OnlineNC State Extension
Flowers and wildlife
Nectar attracts bees, butterflies, moths and other insects to the flower clusters. NC State Extension
NC State identifies New Jersey tea as a larval host for mottled duskywing, spring azure and summer azure butterflies. These host records describe caterpillar food, a different relationship from adult nectar visits. NC State Extension
A growing note
Extensive roots help established plants tolerate dry conditions. Good drainage still matters: persistently wet soil can lead to root rot. NC State Extension
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Flowering dates vary with location and growing conditions.