New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
Rhamnaceae
Eastern and Central North America
Deciduous Shrub
Resourceful
Frothy
Patriotic
When colonists boycotted taxed British tea in the years around the Revolutionary War, they brewed the dried leaves of this native shrub as a substitute – a reddish infusion convincing enough to earn the plant its enduring common name.
- Dried leaves steeped as a caffeine-free tea substitute since colonial times, prized when imported tea was scarce or boycotted.
- Root historically used by Indigenous peoples across its range for various traditional remedies.
- A longtime companion planting valued for enriching soil, thanks to nitrogen-fixing bacteria at its roots.
- A low deciduous shrub growing 2 to 3 feet tall, with slender, arching branches.
- Small, oval, toothed leaves with three prominent veins running from the base.
- Dense clusters of tiny white flowers bloom in summer and produce a light, frothy lather when crushed in water.
- Deep, woody roots help the plant survive fire and drought, resprouting readily afterward.
- Native to prairies, open woods, and dry slopes of eastern and central North America.
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.
Discover More Herbs in the Collection
