Description

**Online orders are for local pickup only at our Lake Ann location. We do not ship plants. Select your pickup date at checkout. Orders must be placed at least 1 day before pickup, and plants will be ready by 10am on your selected date.

This plant is native to Northern Michigan

Growing Requirements:

  • Thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils
  • Prefers full sun to light shade
  • Very drought tolerant once established
  • Hardy in USDA zones 4–8
  • Grows 2–4 feet tall and wide

Features:

New Jersey Tea is a compact native shrub valued for its delicate clusters of white flowers, which bloom from late spring through midsummer. These nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators. The shrub’s deep taproot makes it an excellent choice for dry, sunny slopes and erosion-prone areas.

The common name "New Jersey Tea" comes from the Revolutionary War era, when the dried leaves were used as a caffeine-free tea substitute. While it’s not related to true tea, its leaves have a pleasant herbal flavor and a long history of use by Native American tribes.

With its fine-textured foliage, tidy shape, and pollinator appeal, New Jersey Tea is perfect for native landscapes, dry gardens, butterfly gardens, and restoration projects.

Ecological Benefits:

  • Supports pollinators including butterflies and native bees
  • Host plant for the Spring Azure butterfly (Celastrina ladon)
  • Provides food for hummingbirds, birds, and beneficial insects
  • Drought tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping

Looking for a compact shrub that delivers big ecological impact? New Jersey Tea is a beautiful, low-maintenance choice that thrives in tough conditions—and supports your local wildlife while it grows.