New Jersey Tea

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score

0

Native Status

✅ Outaouais ✅ Ottawa ✅ QC ✅ ON

Closest Direction

Local

CEC Eco-Regions

5 – Northern Forests, 5.2 – Mixed Wood Shield, 5.2.3 – Algonquin/Southern Laurentians

Rarity Notes

Apparently Secure in Ontario (S4) but Imperiled in Quebec (S2), reflecting restricted habitat availability on the Quebec side. Not listed under SARA or COSEWIC. Quebec populations are concentrated along the Ottawa River corridor on calcareous or sandy substrates, particularly in the Pontiac region and around Lac des Chats where alvar and marble outcrop habitats persist. The species' S2 rank in Quebec underscores the vulnerability of these specialized habitats.

S22 S4 ON, S2 QC; S26 SARA not listed; S48 QC specimens concentrated along Ottawa River; S54 19 QC herbarium specimens

Rarity Ranks

QC S2 – Imperiled, ON S4 – Apparently Secure

Migration

Stable

Ecological Context

Characteristic shrub of dry open woods, oak savannas, and sandy prairies in the Ottawa Valley and southern Quebec. Found on well-drained sandy or rocky substrates, often on limestone or sandstone bluffs. A nitrogen-fixing species through actinorrhizal symbiosis, enriching nutrient-poor soils. Gatineau-area specimens are associated with alvar habitats on marble outcrops along the Ottawa River and Lac des Chats. Imperiled in Quebec (S2) due to restricted habitat availability.

S4 open deciduous woods, oak savannas; S7 dry sandy plains, savannas; S48 specimens on limestone, alvar habitats; S22 S2 in QC; S29 nitrogen fixer

Permaculture & Companion Planting

Roles

Fire Retardant, Fortress/Barrier, Insectary Plant, Nitrogen Fixer, Pollinator Attractor

S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = Medium (not definitional)] | Fortress/Barrier: S61 keyword match: thorns? (supporting signal only)] | Insectary Plant: S64 NPPBI 'beneficial insects' flag] | Nitrogen Fixer: S73 [HIGH]: S11 classified (S53 no signal, not contradictory)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [HIGH]: S64 Xerces listed (source-classified)]

Notes

An exceptional guild plant combining nitrogen fixation, pollinator support, and fire resilience. Its actinorrhizal root nodules enrich nutrient-poor sandy soils, benefiting neighboring plants. The dense floral display attracts 25+ bee species and supports 2 specialist pollen bees. Compact size (under 1 m) makes it ideal as a shrub-layer component beneath oaks in savanna or woodland-edge designs. Tolerates juglone, allowing pairing with Juglans nigra.

S29 nitrogen fixer, woodland garden sunny edge; S68 25 bee visitors; S17 2 specialist bees; S3 tolerates juglone; S73 guild roles

Medicinal Properties

ℹ

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any plant for medicinal purposes. The information provided is compiled from secondary sources for educational purposes only.

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Category

Antispasmodic, Astringent, Expectorant, Haemostatic, Sedative, Hypotensive, Dermatological Aid, Gastrointestinal Aid

S29 PFAF medicinal categories; S28 Moerman categories across multiple nations

Notes

Root and root bark extensively used by Indigenous peoples across eastern North America. Cherokee used root infusion for bowel complaints and toothache. Iroquois employed root decoctions for colds, blood medicine, venereal disease, and urinary problems. Chippewa used root infusion for pulmonary troubles and constipation. Meskwaki considered the root a primary remedy for flux (dysentery). Roots contain 8% tannin and the triterpenes betulin and betulinic acid. Root bark is harvested in autumn or spring when the red color is deepest.

S28 Cherokee, Iroquois, Chippewa, Meskwaki uses; S29 8% tannin, astringent, expectorant; S31 betulin, betulinic acid in root bark

Edibility & Foraging

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Never ingest a plant unless you have 100% certainty of its identity and have consulted multiple reputable sources. The information provided in the Localeaf Plant Database is compiled from secondary sources for educational and historical purposes only.

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✅ Edible   

Foraging Notes

Dried leaves make a refreshing caffeine-free tea, famously used as a substitute for imported Chinese tea during the American Revolution. Leaves are gathered when the plant is in full bloom and dried in the shade. Multiple Indigenous nations used the leaves as a beverage, including the Dakota, Menominee, and Ojibwe.

S29 tea from dried leaves, caffeine-free, Revolutionary War; S28 Dakota and Menominee beverage uses

Seed Source

• OWSL