This low, bushy shrub produces dense clusters of small, white flowers in summer. It has lance-shaped leaves that distinguish it from a similar species, C. americanus, which has broad, egg-shaped leaves and a preference for moister sites. Inland  New Jersey tea thrives in open, sunny areas with moderately dry, well-drained soils. It's endangered in Ohio, where it tends to occur on limestone. 
 
The genus name comes from keanothos, which is an ancient Greek name relating to some plants in the buckthorn family. Herbaceus means "herbaceous" or "not woody," referring to the tendency of the upper herbaceous branches to die back in winter. This species is synonymous with C. ovatus.
 
Native habitats include sandy or rocky substrates, prairies, barrens, and woodland openings. Suitable for rock or gravel gardens; dry, rocky slopes; native gardens; and naturalized areas. Its shorter height is ideal for sidewalk borders. 
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 2-3' tall and 1-2' wide. 
 
Prefers full or part sun.
 
Prefers moderately dry, well-drained soils.
 
Reproductive System: male and female parts are on the same plant (monoecious). 
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for 37 species of Lepidoptera, including one specialist butterfly (the mottled duskywing) and 5 specialist moths. Yellow-faced bees, sweat bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and other pollinators seek nectar and pollen from the flowers. Provides seeds, cover, and nesting habitat for birds. Deer browse the stems and foliage. 
 
Medicinal, Edible, and Other Uses:
Native Americans used the dried leaves to make a medicinal tea.
 
A red dye can be obtained from the roots (another common name is prairie redroot).
 
Resources:
Minnesota Wildflowers: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/shrub/narrow-leaved-new-jersey-tea
 
Missouri Botanical Garden: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=295794&isprofile=1&basic=Ceanothus
 
Ohio Dept of Natural Resources: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/plants-trees/flowering-plants/prairie-redroot
 
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