Ceanothus Americanus (Rhamnaceae) Red root or New Jersey tea

New Jersey Tea or Redroot is a small native shrub with showy umbels of white flowers. This genus has many ornamental cultivars and hybrids. It likes a dry, stony soil and does ok with low fertility because it can fix atmospheric nitrogen. The roots and root bark are astringent and used medicinally for pulmonary complaints. It is also reputed to strengthen the lymphatic system. The leaves have a slight evergreen smell and were used by early Europeans as a stimulating, non-caffeinated beverage. Hence the common name New Jersey tea.