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Ceanothus americanus (Mountain sweet, New Jersey tea, Redroot, Wild snowball)

Ceanothus americanus Photo/Illustration: Neil Diboll


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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ceanothus americanus see-ah-NO-thuss ah-mer-ih-KAY-nus Common Name: Mountain sweet, New Jersey tea, Redroot, Wild snowball Genus: Ceanothus
Mountain sweet is a low-growing, broad, compact, deciduous shrub. Dark-green leaves are irregularly toothed, 2 to 3 inches long, and softly hairy or nearly hairless beneath. This plant bears profuse white flowers in 1- to 2-inch-long terminal clusters.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Tolerates poor growing conditions. Native to the eastern U.S.
 Care: Ideally, plant in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Relatively lime tolerant. Expect 5-10 years' lifespan. Prune in early spring, followed by mulch and balanced fertilizer application.
 Propagation: Root greenwood cuttings in mid- or late summer.
 Problems: Dieback, powdery mildew, mushroom root rot, fungal leaf spots, and Verticillium wilt are common. Caterpillars, scale insects, lacebug, and mealybugs occur.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Native; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Trellis
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Shrubs

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