New Jersey Tea
Deciduous shrub reaching 0.6-1.2 m tall. Features oval, toothed leaves and dense clusters of small white flowers blooming in late spring to early summer. Prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soils and full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil. Attracts butterflies and other pollinators. Historically used for tea. Suitable for dry prairies, rocky slopes, and as a native alternative to non-native ornamental shrubs.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Time: Late Spring to Early Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Sun
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: New growth emerges late May. Leaves fully developed by mid-June. Blooms July-August. Seeds mature September-October. Dies back to crown in winter.
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract numerous pollinators including native bees and butterflies; seeds eaten by birds; browse for deer; nitrogen-fixing benefits soil organisms
Habit Over Time: Creates a low, mounded shrub form with dense branching. Spreads slowly through underground stems but maintains a tidy habit. Deep roots make it drought tolerant once established, while allowing other plants to grow nearby. The dense structure provides good winter interest and shelter for small wildlife.
Height: Short (1-3 feet)