Ceanothus americanus (New Jersey Tea)

Its fragrant white flowers blooms from June to August. Clusters of tiny blossoms pop open in nearly-synchronized explosions, covering the mounded shrub. Growing between 2 and 3 feet tall, this sturdy little bush flaunts striking dark green foliage that provides visual interest even when not in bloom. The rounded, compact shape lends itself equally well to both traditional landscape design and naturalized pollinator garden aesthetics.

Prefers:  medium-dry soil, full to part sun  

Host plant for Spring Azure and Summer Azure caterpillars,

Attracts bees and hummingbirds, and its seeds provide food for wild turkeys and quail.  Deer, rabbits also love to browse this plant, so protection may be necessary, especially when the plant is young.  Special Value to Native Bees' including the rare Yellow Banded Bumble Bee. 

Learn more about helping pollinators : https://xerces.org/

After the Boston Tea Party, many American colonists steeped its leaves as a flavorful (albeit caffeine-free) alternative to imported tea. This is where the common name, New Jersey Tea, originates.

Other common names include Redroot, Red Root Tea, Wild Lilac, and Mountain Snowbell