Green Thumb Sunday - Liberty Tea

When the Sons of Liberty dumped the damned taxed British tea into Boston Harbor, their wives back home were forced to come up with something else for their morning pick me up beverage. Ceanothus americanus, commonly known as Liberty Tea or New Jersey Tea filled the bill.



A small shrubby native plant that was free for the picking, Liberty Tea tastes something like Chinese tea, Thea sinensis, when dried and brewed. It is caffeine free, unfortunately, but on the positive side it was thought to relieve typical respiratory, throat and mouth problems.



We grow this pretty butterfly attracting shrub in the tea herb garden bed at the extension, and amusingly, it blooms for the Fourth of July here in Michigan.


Share this plant by cuttings, layering or occasional volunteer seedlings.


Gardeners, Plant and Nature Lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.