New Jersey tea

plant

Also known as: Ceanothus americanus

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

New Jersey tea is a low, deciduous shrub (Ceanothus americanus) native to the eastern United States. It belongs to the buckthorn family and is characterized by dull green leaves and small white flowers that grow in large clusters.12

During the American Revolutionary War, the leaves of this plant were used as a substitute for tea, which is how it got its name. The plant typically grows to about 3 feet tall. The term "Jersey tea" can also refer to New Jersey tea or wintergreen.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Ceanothus
Ceanothus americanus, commonly called New Jersey tea, occurs from Canada to Florida. During the American Revolutionary War, its leaves were used as a tea substitute. The plant grows about 1 m (3 feet) tall and has deciduous, rather oval leaves. The white flowers grow in a flat-topped cluster.
Read More
Ceanothus americanus, commonly called New Jersey tea, occurs from Canada to Florida. During the American Revolutionary War, its leaves were used as a tea substitute. The plant grows about 1 m (3 feet) tall and has deciduous, rather oval leaves. The white flowers grow in a flat-topped cluster.
Read More