New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus and C. herbaceus) from the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) is the Kansas Native Plant Society 2025 Kansas Native Plant of the Year. Since these two species have similar habitats and differ only slightly in their appearance and have overlapping distribution in Kansas, both were included in this year’s selection.
Ceanothus herbaceus is blooming beautifully in the Arboretum right now, so I figured it would be a good time to reshare the KNPS newsletter article (with permission) featuring New Jersey Tea.
Both New Jersey Tea species are woody shrubs that produce attractive clusters of small white flowers in late April to June and grow to 2-3’ tall. They are drought-tolerant species typically found in well-drained, rocky prairie habitat. Ceanothus americanus (eastern half of Kansas) only has the common name New Jersey Tea but C. herbaceus (eastern 2/3 of Kansas) also goes by Inland Ceanothus, Inland New Jersey Tea or Redroot.
Ceanothus americanus (Photo by Michael Haddock)Ceanothus herbaceus (Photo by Michael Haddock)
In their book Growing Native Wildflowers, Dwight Platt and Lorna Harder summarize the subtle field characteristic differences between these species in their publication Growing Native Wildflowers:
The leaves of C. americanus are broader and ovate or egg-shaped, broadest below the middle, while the leaves of C. herbaceus are elliptic, broadest at the middle.
In C. americanus, the clusters of flowers are somewhat elongate and are borne on leafless stalks (sometimes with two small leaves at the base of the flower cluster), that grow out of the axils of leaves. In C. herbaceus the clusters are more flat-topped and are borne on the end of leafy twigs.
There is a ridge on each lobe of the fruit in C. americanus and no ridges in C. herbaceus.
The fruiting stalks drop even before the leaves drop in the fall in C. americanus. In C. herbaceus, the little stems and “saucers” that held the fruits may remain on the plant all winter.
Both of these Ceanothus species are attractive to nectaring butterflies and hummingbirds and the vegetation is host to butterfly larvae of the spring azure (Celastrina laden) and mottled duskywing skipper (Erynnis martialis). Culturally for humans, the leaves of New Jersey Tea were used as a substitute for black tea during the American Revolution.
New Jersey Tea is underutilized in native plant gardens and should be considered for a sunny spot in a home landscape. Collect the black, glossy seeds before they fall from 3-lobed capsules in July. Platt and Harder report success germinating the seed with treatment of one minute in boiling water followed by 2-3 months of cold, wet stratification.
C. herbaceus in bloom at Dyck Arboretum on 4/23/25 (Photo by Brad Guhr)Whole plant view of C. herbaceus in bloom at Dyck Arboretum on 4/23/25 (Photo by Brad Guhr)
To see more Ceanothus americanus and C. herbaceus photos by Michael Haddock and detailed species descriptions, visit kswildflower.org.
Have you noticed the redbud trees blooming this year? They have really been putting on quite a show. For some reason, they have really popped in the landscape this year. Maybe it’s because they are a stark contrast to the drab landscape that is slowly coming to life. Or maybe it’s because they are a native alternative to the ubiquitous and noxious Callery pear trees that are spreading everywhere. Anyway, take some time to admire this small native ornamental tree.
Benefits of Redbuds
The edible pink blooms are a favorite of many different pollinators in early spring. There are not many trees and shrubs blooming this time of year, so they rely on the flower nectar to keep them going. These early blossoms draw in nectar-seeking insects that are quickly plucked up by birds too. Northern bobwhite quail and a few songbirds, such as finches and chickadees, will eat the seed pods. It can be used for nesting sites and nesting materials, and it also provides shelter for birds and mammals.
In the wild, redbuds are commonly seen in tree margins and along swales and ravines. The small stature of the tree allows it to fit into most landscapes. Most trees develop a nice vase-shape that shows off the attractive reddish tan bark. The heart shaped leaves emerge as the flower clusters fade. In the fall, these leaves turn yellow and orange before dropping off before winter.
Growing an Eastern Redbud
With multiple seasons of interest, redbuds (Cercis canadensis) deserve a place in just about any landscape setting. Redbuds are hardy in zones 4 to 9 so they are adapted to our climate here in Kansas. New trees can be planted in the spring or fall with my preference being a fall planting.
This small ornamental tree is native to the eastern half of Kansas. It is one of the earliest trees to bloom and produces an abundance of purplish-pink flowers. For best growth, plant them as an understory tree with morning sun and afternoon shade. They can grow in full sun but prefer protection from the hot afternoon sun. In too much shade they are leggy and sparse. A moist soil is preferred, but they are quite drought tolerant once established.
We have seen our redbud foliage damaged by herbicide drift, some of our on doing but other times from farmer spray drift, so be cautious when using chemicals around your trees. Redbuds are in the legume family so they develop bean pods. These tan pods can sometimes be very abundant so keep that in mind when choosing a location. I have never seen this as a problem, but they will eventually fall from the tree.
Darker flowers of Oklahoma redbuds
Eastern Redbud Pruning and Maintenance
Redbud trees grow quickly, usually putting on a foot or two per year depending on their growing conditions. Typically, they live for about 30 to 40 years. Once established, most trees will only need to be watered during periods of prolonged drought. Mulch around the trunk with coarse wood chips will help the soil retain moisture and cool the root system. The gnarled trunks and branches can break from strong winds, so occasional pruning may be needed to thin out the canopy.
Besides breakage, redbuds are afflicted with cankers on the branches and stems. Usually, this is not a problem that is lethal. Most redbuds have some sort of raised bark that adds to the character of the tree. Also look for fungal problems like mildew, verticillium wilt, and leaf spots. These are more likely to occur when airflow is limited, so consider pruning your tree so it has a more open structure to provide better ventilation. Insects are not usually a problem, but webworms and Japanese beetles may appear and can be treated with an appropriate but cautious application of a recommended insecticide.
‘Forest Pansy’ and ‘Merlot’ have red/purple new growth. In my experience, these red leaf forms need more protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma’) Glossy green leaves, more intense flower color, insect resistance.
Rising Sun Redbud-dwarf flowering tree (6-10 ft tall) has unique tri-colored leaves that blend sunny yellows and bright orange colors. This will need full sun protection as well.
Ruby Falls Redbud-A petite, one-of-a-kind, cascading tree with maroon-purple to dark green leaves. Again, it will need to be protected from hot afternoon sun.
For more than 20 years, entomologists (scientists who study insects), have reported worrying annual declines in insect populations at the rate of 2% per year. As part of the insect world, butterflies, whose bright colors have enchanted people around the world for centuries, are no exception. Historical records and citizen science data make it possible to study and better understand changes occurring specifically in butterfly communities over time.
E. Tiger Swallowtail on tall thistle – Photo by Brad Guhr
In their recent study of butterfly populations, Collin B. Edwards and his coauthors analyzed butterfly sightings and captures from more than 76,000 surveys that were conducted at 2,500 sampling sites representing all regions of the contiguous U.S. over the past 20 years. These samplings came from 35 monitoring programs and included twelve million butterflies counted by both professionals and dedicated amateur naturalists.
Results of their analyses are sobering. The data showed a 22% decline in total butterfly abundance (abundance refers to the number of individuals of a particular species counted in a given area) across the contiguous U.S. from 2000 to 2020. The data also showed that the distribution of butterfly species was moving northward.
Patterns of abundance varied, with steepest declines in butterfly abundance occurring in the Southwest. However, variation in abundance between species was greater than variation in abundance between regions of the country. Overall, at least 74 butterfly species have declined by more than 50%. Only a few species saw increases in abundance. Researchers noted that this data analysis includes only about one-half of the known U.S. butterfly species. What is happening to the remaining half of the butterfly species, many of which are rarer, is not well known; and there remain substantial areas of the country that have not been sampled. Additional and more comprehensive monitoring and sampling and sampling are needed.
Causes of declines are varied – climate change, extended droughts, pesticides, habitat loss, and land use changes. In our region, butterfly species requiring grassland habitats are particularly vulnerable, with nitrogen deposition from fertilizers and neonicotinoids from pesticides adding to declines.
Monarch caterpillar on common milkweed – Photo by Brad Guhr
The solutions addressing butterfly declines are as varied as the causes. However, what we plant and what we avoid can make a real difference for local butterfly populations. While we may not be able to save the rarest species, we can certainly help conserve the butterfly species that are still reasonably common. Here are six actions that can be taken:
Know your local butterfly species. Take photos of butterflies you see. Consult iNaturalist for the butterflies noted close to where you live, and to help you identify species you find. Check the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) for additional identification resources.
Provide lots of nectar, spring, summer and fall. Flowering plants in sunny locations are perfect sites where butterflies can warm themselves and obtain nectar. The Xerces Society has comprehensive resources for pollinator gardening in our region of the U.S.
Focus on host plants. It takes a caterpillar to produce a butterfly! The native plant finder from National Wildlife Federation is a great resource for identifying host plants for local butterflies, based on zip code location.
Play the long game. Caterpillars eat plant parts, resulting in less than perfect plant appearances. But those chewed stems and flowers mean that your garden is successfully raising new generations of butterflies and their kin. Remember that native plants and insects have coevolved over time. Established plants recover, and your garden will be graced by the colorful presence of butterflies in the years to come.
Visit the Flora Kansas Native Plant Festival at Dyck Arboretum. Knowledgeable Arboretum staff are available to assist in finding native plants that will both support butterfly populations, and flourish in your landscape.
Participate in the annual NABA Butterfly Count. Ask Brad Guhr, the Harvey County KS organizer, about joining the count on June 28, 2025; or check the NABA website for a count in your local area. Butterfly Counts are community science in action. They are a great way to join like-minded citizens in learning more about butterflies, monitoring butterfly populations, and raising the general public’s awareness about butterflies.
Gray Hairstreak on Leavenworth Eryngo – Photo by Brad Guhr
Black Swallowtail Caterpillar on Golden Alexander – photo by Brad Guhr
American lady butterfly on purple coneflower at Chase State Fishing Lake – Photo by Brad Guhr
Collin B. Edwards et al. Rapid butterfly declines across the United States during the 21st century.Science387,1090-1094(2025).DOI:10.1126/science.adp4671
Goulson, Dave. 2021. Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse. Harper Perennial. 328 pp.
Photo credits
Tiger Swallowtail on Thistle: Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
Monarch caterpillar on Milkweed: Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
Black swallowtail caterpillar on Golden Alexander: Brad Guhr
Gray Hairstreak on Leavenworth Eryngo: Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
American Lady on Echinacea: Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
