Native Plants of the Great Lakes
North Branch Restoration Project:
Native Plant and Seed Collection
Ceanothus Americanus / Family:
Rhamnaceae
New Jersey Tea, Swink/Wilhelm #6
FLOWERING: Late June to August.
SEED TIMING: Mid-August to Mid-September.
HABITAT: Dry, open woods and prairie edges.
DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES: 1 - 3 feet. A low, slender shrub with
tiny white flowers in oval clusters rising from the leaf axils.
Flowers borne at the end of new growth. Leaves are alternate,
toothed, ovate and downy beneath with 3 prominent veins. The entire
plant has a gray-green cast.
TO PICK: The fruit is a 3-chambered berry. As the seed
capsules mature, they become dry and black and are easily
recognized. Check frequently when the capsules begin to ripen and
try to pick them before they split. Snap off entire head and place
in a closed paper bag. |
