From wishlist plant to garden reality, the New Jersey Tea plant is a beautiful native shrub that was once used as a tea substitute during the Revolutionary War and has now made its way into our yard as a beneficial pollinator plant.
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After deciding to certify our property as a wildlife habitat last summer, I did a lot of research on native plants. I had already planted a few while creating a pollinator garden area in our yard, but I wanted to add more. Native plants are a great choice for home gardens. They naturally adapt to local soil and climate conditions, often improving soil health over time. They’re also a more sustainable option, reducing or even eliminating the need for fertilizers while playing a crucial role in supporting local wildlife.
Last summer, we added a Swamp Milkweed plant (an essential host plant for Monarch butterflies) as well as a Northern Spicebush. But the plant I really had my heart set on wasn’t as easy to find - the New Jersey Tea plant (Ceanothus americanus). As soon as I read about it, I was intrigued. Not only does it attract a variety of bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, but it also has a fascinating history.
History of New Jersey Tea Plant
The New Jersey Tea plant gets its name from its presence in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. This compact native shrub produces airy clusters of fragrant white flowers and lush green leaves that were once used as a substitute for tea.
During the Revolutionary War - especially after the Boston Tea Party - its leaves were dried and brewed as an alternative to black tea. The tea is caffeine-free and often said to have a flavor similar to green tea. Native Americans also used this plant medicinally, particularly for digestive and respiratory support.
With such an interesting history, beautiful appearance, as well as being beneficial for local pollinators, I knew I had to grow this plant in our yard.
So the search began.
I put my name on a waiting list at a native plant sale, but the call never came. I browsed websites and bookmarked potential growers, hoping I’d eventually track one down.
Then one day, a catalog from Prairie Moon Nursery showed up in our mailbox and there it was. My plant. A 3 pack of New Jersey Tea. I told my husband I had finally found it and placed an order immediately…in January.
The wait felt long, but was totally worth it. The plants finally arrived last week. They’re still young, but I’m so excited to finally have them! Two were planted in the backyard on each side of our crape myrtle, and one was planted in a pot on our deck.
Since these plants can be a favorite snack for wild rabbits, we made sure to add protective barriers around the ones planted in the ground.
During their first year, New Jersey Tea plants tend to focus on establishing strong root systems, so we may not see much top growth right away. But I’m just happy to have these plants growing in our yard. I can’t wait to see them in bloom and eventually try using their leaves to brew a cup of my own caffeine-free tea.
