Ceanothus americanus – New Jersey Tea

This relative of California Lilac is a great choice for a tough spot in the landscape, although you should avoid placing it in heavy clay soils. New Jersey Tea blooms in early Summer when few other shrubs are in flower. The frothy white flowers are lightly honey-scented and very attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects. The plant also serves as a host for Spring Azure  and Mottled Dusky Wing butterfly caterpillars. The dried leaves of this nitrogen-fixing shrub make an excellent tea that was very popular during the Revolutionary War period. May be pruned hard every few years in winter to keep it looking its best.