Ceanothus americanus, commonly known as New Jersey Tea, is a compact, tough, deciduous native shrub indigenous to eastern and central North America.

It grows as a dense, rounded mound typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. This shrub grows in full sun to partial shade and does best in well-draiuned sandy loams, rocky or limestone based soils.  Highly drought tolerant once it is established.

The Xerces Society notes its special value to native bees.

Host plant for the Spring Azure, Summer Azure and the Mottled Duskywing butterflies.