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Ceanothus sanguineus
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Practical ecological knowledge for the temperate reader. |
Family: Rhamnaceae - Buckthorn Family [E-flora]
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[1]
Ceanothus sanguineus |
Image Reference
"Habit: Shrub, tree-like or not, generally erect or mat- to mound-like. Stem: branches generally arranged like leaves; twigs thorn-like or not, generally not angled. Leaf: alternate or opposite, some clustered on short-shoots or not, deciduous or evergreen; stipules scale-like, thin, deciduous, or knob-like, corky, thick, base persistent; blade flat or wavy, tip generally acute to obtuse, margin thick (i.e., thicker than adjacent blade) or not, rolled under or not, wavy or not, entire or gland- or sharp-toothed, glands generally dark, teeth pale, alternate blade 1--3-ribbed from base, generally thin, opposite blade 1-ribbed from base, thick, firm. Inflorescence: umbel-, raceme-, or panicle-like aggregations of few-flowered clusters, axillary or terminal; pedicels white to deep blue or pink. Flower: conspicuous, generally < 5 mm; hypanthium surrounding fleshy disk below ovary base, in fruit thick, not splitting; sepals generally 5, lance-deltate, incurved, colored like petals, persistent; petals generally 5, blade hood-like, white to deep blue or pink; stamens generally 5, opposite petals; ovary 1/2-inferior, 3-lobed, chambers 3, each 1-ovuled, styles 3. Fruit: capsule, +- spheric, generally +- 3-lobed, generally smooth, 3-ridged or not, horned or not. Seed: 3, 2--5 mm." [Jepson]
"Species In Genus: +- 55 species: North America. Etymology: (Greek: thorny pl) Note: Hybrids possibly common (named hybrids not recognized here), discussed in Fross & Wilken; possible hybrid forms do not key easily." [Jepson]
"Most of the fifty-five species of Ceanothus occur in the United States Southwest, with a few in the eastern United States and others in Central America. Ceanothus first reached the Old World in 1713, with the introduction of the white-flowered C. americanus, known as New Jersey Tea or redroot. The leaves of this species were used in New England as a substitute for tea during the American War of Independence. The Western species were brought to Europe from the 1840s onwards, and these have had the greater impact, with their showy blue flowers carried over a long period. Some hybridizing took place in France in the 19th century, and a trickle of new cultivars appeared in Europe and the United States in the 20th century." [Prance TCHP]
"A genus of ca. 55 species, shrubs, mostly in California." [Weakley FSMAS]
Local Species;
Uses: "Ceanothus spp. Bracilillo, arbol de jab6n. Decoction of some part of plant produced a detergent, also used as wash for facial blemishes and for the hair. (5)" [ECIC Bocek]
Species Mentioned: Red Root Ceanothus velutinus, C. cuneatus, C. integerrimus, etc. [Moore MPPW] Red Root (Ceanothus Spp.) [Buhner Antibiotics] "Most species can be used medicinally; the most common are C. velutinus, C. cuneatus, C. integerrimus, C. greggii, and C. americanus. All species are apparently identical in their medicinal actions." Ceanothus fendleri[Buhner Antivirals]
"Part used: The root." [Buhner Antibiotics]
"Collection: In the fall or early spring, whenever the root has been subjected to a good frost. The inner bark of the root is a bright red, and this color extends through the white woody root as a pink tinge after a freeze. The root is extremely tough when it dries. It should be cut into small 1- or 2-inch pieces with plant snips while still fresh." [Buhner Antibiotics]About
"Red root is an important herb in that it helps facilitate clearing of dead cellular tissue from the lymph system. When the immune system responds to acute conditions or the onset of disease, as white blood cells kill invading bacteria they are taken to the lymph system for disposal. When the lymph system can clear out dead cellular material rapidly, the healing process is increased, sometimes dramatically. The herb shows especially strong action whenever any portion of the lymph system is swollen, infected, or inflamed. This includes lymph nodes, tonsils (entire back of throat), spleen, and appendix. There is some evidence that the activity of red root in the lymph nodes also enhances the lymph nodes' production of lymphocytes, specifically the formation of T cells." [Buhner Antibiotics]
"Red root has a very long history in the Americas. The indigenous
cultures used the plant for a wide range of complaints from arthritis
to influenza, primarily as an astringent. The early American herb-
alists picked it up and the Eclectics then developed the use of the
plant considerably, using it as an astringent, expectorant, sedative,
antispasmodic, and antisyphilitic. It was used specifically for gonor-
rhea, dysentery, asthma, chronic bronchitis, whooping cough, general
pulmonary problems, and oral ulcerations due to fever and infection.
Its primary use, however, was for enlarged spleen and, to some extent,
enlarged liver." [Buhner Antivirals]
"Red Root is an excellent home remedy for menstrual hemorrhage, nose- bleeds, bleeding piles, hemorrhoids and old ulcers, and capillary rup- . tures from vomiting or coughing; it should also be used by heavy drinkers with gastritis, whiskey nose, and other symptoms of capillary fragility. The tincture of California Lilac was used by the homeopath Boericke for sore throat, inflamed tonsils, sinus inflammations, and diphtheria, both internally and as a gargle. The leaves can be used for tea, especially C. velutinus, and the fresh flowers can be used for a feeble but elegant soap." [Moore MPPW]
"Actions: First and foremost a lymph system stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and tonic. It is also astringent, a mucous membrane tonic, alterative, antiseptic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and a blood coagulant. Active against: I have been unable to find any studies testing Ceanothus against specific disease organisms. However, the historical record shows a long history of use for stubborn or fetid ulceration of the skin and mucous membranes, strep throat, general throat and upper respiratory infections, malaria, and diphtheria. Like oak (which has been found effective against numerous disease organisms), it is strongly astringent. There is every indication that Ceanothus will prove specific against particular disease organisms in spite of the dearth of scientific study." [Buhner Antibiotics]
"I have found that the action of echinacea increases dramatically when it is combined with red root or with red root and licorice. Historically, red root has also been considered specific for liver inflammation and congestion, and it may be of benefit in those conditions." [Buhner Antibiotics]
"Red Root is one of the best examples of and recommendations for using herbs in the subclinical grey area that precedes overt disease. It is an astringent to membranes, and is a good gargle and mouthwash for a sore throat or sores in the mouth. Beyond this, much of its value comes from its effect on the integrity of blood proteins. It helps increase the quality of blood charge, thereby increasing the repel- ling charge of the capillary cells. With improved charges, there is improved transport of blood fluid out into the interstitial colloids and more efficient uptake of lymph, as well as return of fluid back into the blood exiting the capillaries into the veins." [Moore MPPW]
"One of the best uses of Red Root is for liver headaches and inflammation from blood fats." [Moore MPPW]
"Because it acts to tonify the structure of lymph tissue, Red Root is often helpful for hepatitis or mononucleosis, when the spleen is enlarged and painful but the actual infection is on the way out. I am not claiming cure in such cases, only a strengthening of certain tissues during a dis- ease process." [Moore MPPW]
"This is why herbs such as red root, inmortal, and pleurisy root are useful; they all support the lymph structures in the lungs and periphery. Red root — Ceanothus spp. — is particular useful in the periphery for spleen and lymph enlargement and lymph drainage;" [Buhner Antivirals]
Ceanothus species "Preparation and Uses: The leaves and flowers make excellent tea when boiled for 5 minutes or so. Some species make better tea than others. An in fusion of the bark may be used as a tonic. The fresh flowers of some species make an excellent lather when crushed and rubbed in water, and are said to leave the skin soft and faintly fragrant." [Kirk WEP]
"Plants growing in difficult or marginal places usually have stronger root color, and greater therapeutic value. Ceanothus is a nitrogen-fixing plant, somewhat unique because it has a soil fungus as a symbiote, rather than the nitrogen-fixing bacteria found in legumes. It seems that the more difficult the environment, the more the reliance on nitrogen-fixing, the stronger the root color, and the stronger the medicine. The roots are tough and intractable, so you will need limb shears, good pruning shears, sometimes a sharp hatchet, and good gloves or good calluses. No matter what you are doing, you will need to work the roots while they are fresh; dry roots need a band saw to process." [Moore MPPW]
"The roots/inner root bark should be harvested in the fall or early spring — whenever the root has already had a good frost. The inner bark of the root should be a bright red and this color should extend through the white woody root as a pink tinge after a freeze. The root must look like this to be actively medicinal. If you get the roots in the late spring, summer, or early fall, they will be white throughout with just a hint of pink in the inner bark...." [Buhner Antivirals]
"Caution: The root is extremely tough when it dries. It should be cut into small 1- or 2-inch pieces with plant snips while still fresh..." [Buhner Antivirals]
"STABILITY The dried root and bark are stable for at least two years, even longer. The leaves are good for up to a year." [Moore MPPW]
"Preparation and Dosages
Red root is used as tincture, tea, strong decoction, gargle, or capsules.
Tincture: Dry root, 1:5 with 50 percent alcohol, 30 to 90 drops up to 4 times a day.
Tea: 1 teaspoon powdered root in 8 ounces (237 ml) water, simmer 15 minutes, strain. Drink up to 6 cups per
day.
Strong decoction: 1 ounce (25 g) herb in 16 ounces (473 ml) water, simmer slowly 30 minutes covered. One
tablespoon (15 ml) 3 or 4 times per day.
Gargle: In tonsillitis or throat inflammations, gargle with strong tea 4 to 6 times per day.
Capsules: 10 to 30 double-ought capsules per day." [Buhner Antibiotics]
"Side Effects and Contraindications
No side effects have ever been noted. However, Michael Moore suggests caution by people using blood
coagulants and advises against the use of large doses in pregnancy, because of its astringent action.
Alternatives to Red Root
Any red root species. One species, Ceanothus thrysiflorus (California lilac), has historically been successful in
the treatment of malignant diphtheria. Other alternatives: cleavers, which is much milder (a food herb), poke
root, which is much stronger (a drug herb) and should be used with care." [Buhner Antibiotics]
"Red Root has been used experimentally to im- prove blood coagulation (in people) and as an anticoagulant (in veteri- nary medicine). Both uses have been discarded, since the effects are tonic to the blood proteins and have no predictable drug effect in medi- cal practice. Still, you may wish to avoid it if you have overt blood disor- ders or if you are taking medication that is meant to affect blood clotting. If you have a specific allergy to aspirin products, you might find that some species of Red Root may trigger a mild response. Just out of normal conservatism, I would recommend only moderate use during pregnancy." [Moore MPPW]
"Peptide alkaloids or cyclopeptides have macrocyclic 13-1 5-membered rings involving several peptide (-CO-NH-) links. Cyclopeptides have been isolated from various sources, notably Ceanothus and Zizyphus species (Rhamnaceae) (e.g. Zizyphirle A). These 0.6 kDa cyclopeptides are synthesized by a non-ribosomal mechanism in contrast to the much larger 2-3 kDa protease inhibitory cyclotides that are cyclic peptides synthesized as proproteins on ribosomes (see Chapter 13) (and as such are considered under "other" plant defensive compounds in Section 1.9)." [Polya BTPBC]
"Plant chemistry
Betulin, betulinic acid, bacteriohopanetetrol, ceanothic acid, ceano-
thenic acid, ceanothine, ceanothamine, ceanothane, americine,
integerressine, integerrenine, integerrine, methyl salicylate, a lot of tannins, flavonoids, flavonol glycosides, flavonones, dihydroflavonols.
The leaves have a somewhat different profile, but I won’t include it
here as the root is what we are dealing with. The plant is fairly high in
protein, iron, copper, zinc, magnesium and very high in calcium. The
roots are nitrogen fixers and possess nitrogen-filled nodules." [Buhner Antivirals]
"Leaves: Nonacosane, 1-hexacosanol, velutin, and traces of caffeine reported in several species. Root and bark: betulinic acid, ceanothic acid, ceanothenic acid, methyl salicylate, and the alkaloids ceanothine, ceanothamine, integerressine, integerrenine, integerrine, and americine. Other constituents are tannins, phlobaphenes, resins, and oils, with succinic, oxalic, malonic, malic, orthophosphoric, and pyro-phosphoric acids." [Moore MPPW]
"Most field studies of actinorhizal plants have been concerned with forestry. Some actinorhizal genera, such as Alnus, may be used directly as timber (Gordon and Wheeler 1983). Some may contribute fixed nitrogen as an understorey component (similar to legumes in other habitats) – for example, Cercocarpus in some pine forests (Lepper and Fleschner 1977). Others, such as Ceanothus, may invade forests after logging or burning activities. Although Ceanothus may be important in contributing nitrogen to subsequent replanting, it is often also regarded as a weed (Gordon and Wheeler 1983; Sprent and Sprent 1990)." [BrassiriRad NAP]
"In a landscape setting we can also interplant ornamental legumes and other nitrogen fixers, from herbaceous perennials to large trees. Clover makes a good addition to turfgrass lawns, for instance. Or nitrogen-fixing plants such as false indigo (Baptisia australis) or wild lilac (Ceanothus spp.) can be incorporated into a planting design. In order for nitrogen fixation to take place, soils may have to be inoculated with the appropriate strain of bacteria. Remember also that these plants are themselves incorporating all the nitrogen their bacteroids fix. The only way to make it available to other plants is by getting their biomass into the soil, through leaf drop, using their trimmings as mulch, or by eventually killing the plant and letting it (or at least its roots) decompose in situ." [Beck PELD]
"The plants are propagated by seed or cuttings. The seeds need to be scarified first... and then stratified. They are usually soaked in water for 12 hours followed by chilling for 3 months — mimicking winter." [Buhner Antivirals]
"Prior to a direct demonstration of 15N2 fixation by Ceanothus (Delwiche, Zinke and Johnson, 1965), there were reports of their ecological importance in mountainous areas of western North America. For example, Ceanothus exerted a favorable effect upon yellow pine (Wahlenberg, 1930); tomato plants grown in soil previously supporting Ceanothus had twice the N content of plants grown in control soil (Hellmers and Kelleher, 1959); nodulated C. interriums grew as well as N-supplemented plants in N-deficient soils (Vlamis, Schultz and Biswell, 1958). The rates of fixation obtained by Delwiche, Zinke and Johnson (1965) range from 10 to 212 mmoles/hr/g fresh weight for twelve species of Ceanothus. All were ecologically significant rates. Webster (1968) estimated that 21.6 mg N/g dry wt/day were fixed by Ceanothus nodules as determined by the 15N method." [Postgate CBNF]
References
Other Names: Oregon Tea Tree [PFAF]
"Ceanothus sanguineus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in flower from May to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil." [PFAF]
"General: Deciduous shrub 1-3 m tall; stems numerous, erect, greenish, becoming purplish-red, smooth." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Leaves: Alternate, the blades egg-shaped to elliptic, 3-10 cm long, hairy on the underside of the veins, finely toothed, glandular; stalks 1-2.5 cm long; stipules 3-6 mm long, soon deciduous." [IFBC-E-flora]
Similar Species: "Snowbrush (C. velutinus) grows in similar habitats, but is usually shorter, evergreen, and has thick, shiny leaves that are often sticky on top and velvety beneath. As well, snowbrush lacks the red stems that characterize redstem ceanothus." [????]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to dry rocky slopes, shrublands, open forests and burns in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; common in S BC; S to ID, MT and CA, disjunct in MI." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Redstem ceanothus ranges from southern British Columbia to the Siskiyou Mountains in northern California, east to Idaho and western Montana. It grows best on moist, well-drained soils that are low in organics. It can be found at low to mid-elevations in the open or partial shade (Randall et al. 1994, Tirmenstein 1990)." [PPNWNP]
Status Native [E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A very shade-intolerant, submontane to montane, Western North American deciduous shrub distributed more in the Cordilleran than the Pacific region. Occurs in continental climates on very dry to moderately dry, nitrogen-medium soils. Scattered and often plentiful on disturbed water-shedding sites within cool temperate, cool semiarid, and dry cool mesothermal climates; its occurrence increases with continentality. Common in early seral communities in the coastal-interior ecotone. When forming a shrub layer it hinders regeneration and growth of shade-intolerant conifers. Symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enhances the supply of available soil nitrogen. Characteristic of moisture-deficient sites." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
Food Use
Other Use
"Redstem ceanothus is a food source for elk, deer, hares, birds, rodents, and many insects. It also provides cover for many mammals and birds. Due to its deep root system and nitrogen-fixing ability, it is an excellent pioneer shrub for soil stabilization and improving soil fertility (Randall et al. 1994, Tirmenstein 1990)." [PPNWNP]
Medicinal Use
Cultivation
"Prefers a warm sunny position but tolerates light shade[11, 200]. Tolerates some lime, but will not succeed on shallow chalk[200]. Plants dislike root disturbance, they should be planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small[182]. Dislikes heavy pruning, it is best not to cut out any wood thicker than a pencil[182]. Any pruning is best carried out in the spring[219]. Fast growing, it flowers well when young, often in its second year from seed[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. Some members of this genus have a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200, 212]." [PFAF]
Propagation
"Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then given 1 - 3 months stratification at 1oc[138, 200]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 months at 20oc[138]. One report says that the stored seed is best given boiling water treatment, or heated in 4 times its volume of sand at 90 - 120oc for 4 - 5 minutes and then soaked in warm water for 12 hours before sowing it[214]. It then requires a period of chilling below 5oc for up to 84 days before it will germinate[214]. The seed exhibits considerable longevity, when stored for 15 years in an air-tight dry container at 1 - 5oc it has shown little deterioration in viability[214]. The seed is ejected from its capsule with some force when fully ripe, timing the collection of seed can be difficult because unless collected just prior to dehiscence the seed is difficult to extract and rarely germinates satisfactorily[214]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, taken at a node[200], July/August in a frame[11]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 7 - 12 cm with a heel, October in a cold frame[78]. The roots are quite brittle and it is best to pot up the callused cuttings in spring, just before the roots break[78]. Good percentage." [PFAF]
"Vegetative: Redstem ceanothus often sprouts after the crown is damaged or destroyed (Tirmenstein 1990)." [PPNWNP]
Synonyms
Other Names: snowbrush ceanothus Sticky Laurel, Hooker's ceanothus [PFAF]
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Ceanothus velutinus |
Image Reference
"Ceanothus velutinus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in).
It is hardy to zone (UK) 5. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Jun to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil." [PFAF]
"The flowers are aromatic, and the leaves have a strong, pleasant, spicy taste." [Moore MPPW]
"General: Evergreen shrub 0.5-2 m tall; stems numerous, prostrate to erect, green, minutely hairy to smooth." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Leaves: Alternate, the blades egg-shaped to elliptic, 5-10 cm long, smooth, shiny above, often tinged with brown and sticky above, greyish-hairy to smooth below, finely toothed; stalks 1-2 cm long; stipules 1 mm long, deciduous." [IFBC-E-flora]
Notes:
Two varieties occur in BC.
Similar Species: "Another shrub (3-7 m tall) with oval (but opposite and wavy-margined) evergreen leaves is silk-tassel (Garrya elliplica), common along the coast near the southern limits of our region. Female plants produce long-persistent, hanging clusters of silky flowers (in winter) that finally are replaced by silky-woolly fruits." [????]
"Habitat / Range Mesic to dry rocky slopes, shrublands, open forests and burns in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; common on S BC except rare on Vancouver Island; E to SW AB and S to SD, CO and CA." [IFBC-E-flora]
"Snowbrush grows in open wooded mountain slopes. It can be found from 1100 to 3000 m in elevation and ranges from British Columbia south to South Dakota, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, and California. It grows in many soil types but does best in deep, medium-to coarse-textured, well-drained soils. (Reed 1974, Sampson and Jespersen 1981, Borland 1988)." [PPNWNP]
Status: Native [E-flora]
Ecological Indicator Information
"A shade-intolerant, submontane to subalpine, Cordilleran North American evergreen shrub. Occurs in continental cool temperate and cool semiarid climates on moderately dry to fresh, nitrogen-medium soils, sites. Scattered to abundant in early-seral communities on disturbed, water-shedding sites; its occurrence increases with increasing continentality (occasional in the coastal-interior ecotone). When forming a shrub layer, it hinders natural regeneration and growth of shade-intolerant conifers. Symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enhances the supply of available soil nitrogen. Characteristic of continental forests." (Information applies to coastal locations only) [IPBC-E-flora]
Edible Use
Other Use
Medicinal Use
Phytochemicals
"Alnus oregona and Ceanothus velutinus had levels of the cobamide coenzyme similar to that of legumes and rhizobia. Since this substance was restricted to the nodular tissue of legumes it may be assumed that its presence reflects the metabolism of the symbiont rather than the host plant, because higher plants are known to contain little or no vitamin B 12 compounds." [Postgate CBNF]
Alkaloids:
Propagation
"Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then given 1 - 3 months stratification at 1oc[138, 200]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 2 months at 20oc[138]. One report says that the seed is best given boiling water treatment, or heated in 4 times its volume of sand at 90 - 120oc for 4 - 5 minutes and then soaked in warm water for 12 hours before sowing it[214]. It then requires a period of chilling below 5°c for up to 84 days before it will germinate[214]. Seeds have considerable longevity, some that have been in the soil for 200 years or more have germinated[214]. The seed is ejected from its capsule with some force when fully ripe, timing the collection of seed can be difficult because unless collected just prior to dehiscence the seed is difficult to extract and rarely germinates satisfactorily[214]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, taken at a node[200], July/August in a frame[11]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 7 - 12 cm with a heel, October in a cold frame[78]. The roots are quite brittle and it is best to pot up the callused cuttings in spring, just before the roots break[78]. Good percentage." [PFAF]
Cultivation
"Prefers a warm sunny position but tolerates light shade[11, 200]. Tolerates some lime, but will not succeed on shallow chalk[200]. One report says that this species is hardy to zone 5 (tolerating temperatures down to about -20oc)[200] whilst another says that it needs the protection of a wall when grown outdoors in Britain[1]. Plants dislike root disturbance, they should be planted out into their permanent positions whilst still small[182]. Dislikes heavy pruning, it is best not to cut out any wood thicker than a pencil[182]. Plants flower on the previous year's growth, if any pruning is necessary it is best carried out immediately after flowering has finished[200, 219]. Constant pruning to keep a plant small can shorten its life[200]. Fast growing, it flowers well when young, often in its second year from seed[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. The leaves have a strong scent of balsam[200]. Some members of this genus have a symbiotic relationship with certain soil micro-organisms, these form nodules on the roots of the plants and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200, 212]." [PFAF]
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Ceanothus americanus |
Image Reference
"THE New Jersey Tea is a common shrub that inhabits dry sandy or gravelly soil in open woods and thickets from Maine to Manitoba, south to Florida and Texas." [EWP]
"Ceanothus americanus Linnaeus var. americanus, Common New Jersey Tea. Woodland borders, dry woodlands, glady openings, dry ridge forests and woodlands (pine or oak) in the Mountains. May-June; June-July. ME west to s. MB, south to FL Panhandle and TX. [= C, F, G, X, Y, Z; < C. americanus – FNA, K, RAB, W, WH; = C. americanus – S]" [Weakley FSMAS]
"Ceanothus americanus Linnaeus var. intermedius (Pursh) Torrey & A. Gray, Southern New Jersey Tea. Sandhills, dry sandy woodlands and forests, rocky openings around granitic or quartzitic rocks in the Piedmont. May-June; June-July. NJ (or possibly MA) south to c. peninsular FL, west to LA, mostly on the Coastal Plain, but disjunct inland to sandy soils around outcrops of siliceous rocks. The recognition of infraspecific taxa in the variable C. americanus is uncertain; var. intermedius may either represent ecological forms, or the variation may be too clinal to make taxonomic recognition rewarding. However, material from our area (and beyond) sorts relatively easily, with some intermediates from the Piedmont; varietal status seems provisionally appropriate. [= C, F, G, X, Y, Z; < C. americanus – FNA, K, RAB, W, WH; = C. intermedius Pursh – S]" [Weakley FSMAS]
"This plant was used as a substitute for tea during the American Revolution, especially by the soldiers, when Oriental tea, brought in English vessels, was very unpopular, and its use considered unpatriotic. The leaves were dried, and an infusion made from them which was very palatable, but certainly not so pleasant as that of real tea. However, it is a good substitute, and no doubt would cheer and refresh a tired soldier camping under unfavorable conditions." [EWP]
"I have made tea from both the green and the dried leaves; the latter are the better, and cream and sugar improve the flavor." [EWP]
Ceanothus americanus - Leaves - "Leaves are harvested in summer before flowering, and dried. Used to make herb tea with a similar flavour and aroma to ‘standard’ tea (Camellia sinensis)." [Crawford FFFG] "leaves made into tea. Decoction of astringent root and bark used for stomach trouble and diarrhea." [NAH Orr]
"Red root (Ceanothus americanus). Lymph and blood cleansing." [Mars NFA] Used to treat diabetes [Ramzan PESR]
Phytochemicals
"...maesopsin 6-O-glucoside (362) was obtained together with maesopsin from root bark of Ceanothus americanus.302 These com- pounds showed poor activity as inhibitors of the growth of both Gram-negative, anaerobic periodontal pathogens and Gram-positive carcinogenic bacteria.302" [Andersen FCBA]
Triterpenoids: "A methanol extract of Ceanothus americanus demonstrated antimicrobial ac- tivity against selected oral pathogens. Ceanothic acid and ceanothetric acid isolated from the extract demonstrated growth inhibitory effects against S. mutans, Actinomyces viscosus, P. gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, with MIC values ranging 42.0–625.0 µg/mL (Li et al., 1997)." [Wink APR39]
"Actinorhizal plants are a highly diverse group of angiosperms capable of forming nitrogen-fixing root nodules with the soil actinobacteria Frankia (Huss-Danell 1997; Wall 2000).... Frankia from Group II are typically associated with members of the Coriariaceae, Datiscaceae, Rosaceae and Ceanothus of the Rhamnaceae. Group II is characterized by low diversity, supporting the hypothesis of a recent origin for symbiosis in this lineage." [Perotto SCPS]
"Ceanothus cuneatus is a plant of dry slopes, hillsides, and ridges, from Baja California del Norte northwards to central Oregon; and in Califor- nia in the drier lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada all the way to the coast, and points in between. Look for it on the dry side of any mountain and foothill in most of California; it will usually be there. Sometimes it may be all that is there." [Moore MPPW] "It grows from Mexico northward to California, western Nevada, Oregon, and into southern Washington (Tirmenstein 1989)." [PPNWNP]
"Vegetative: Buckbrush can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe nodal cuttings." [PPNWNP]
"Ceanothus fendleri A. Gray. Fendler Ceanothus, New Jersey Tea. 1. Piih pit4a' (deer, his food). 2. Pita' (deer food). 3. Tclit4a' (Tc'ii food ; i. e. food [for] tc'ii). 4. Tinétc'il (Navajo plant). A remedy for alarm and nervousness is made with this plant and Swertia radiata applied externally and taken internally (24:116). The deer also eat it for food." [Elmore EON]
"Ceanothus herbaceus Rafinesque, Prairie Redroot. Flood-scoured rocky riverbanks. April-May. Primarily midwestern: MI west to MT, south to nw. IN, AR, TX, and Mexico; disjunct eastward in QC, NH, VT, NY, DC, and n. VA (? - Arlington County). Rafinesque described C. herbaceus from "near the falls of the Potowmack, between the rocks." The holotype not extant, Coile (1988) chose a neotype, collected by Sheldon in 1881 from "Arlington County, Virginia, Chain Bridge, rocky river bottoms, Potomac River." However, Bartgis, Fleming, & Wiegand (1997) indicate that C. herbaceus in the Washington, D.C. area can only be ascribed with certainty to DC. [= FNA, K, X, Y, Z; = C. ovatus Desfontaines – F, S, misapplied; = C. pubescens (Torrey & A. Gray ex S. Watson) Rydberg ex Small – S]" [Weakley FSMAS]
"Ceanothus integerrimus is usually called Deerbrush. It is a tall, some- what lyrical bush, with many long, yellow-green branches, from 4 to 10 reet tall, nodding, flexible, and covered in three-veined, pointed-oval leaves. They are blue-green above, lighter below, and usually from 1 to 2 inches long. The flowers form graceful pyramidal terminal clusters of a snow- white to light blue color." [Moore MPPW]
"Ceanothus microphyllus Michaux. Sandhills. E. GA south to c. peninsular FL, west to s. AL, approaching to within a few kilometers of SC (in Screven and Chatham counties, GA), and should be sought in se. SC (except that its outlandish appearance makes it difficult to overlook!). C. ×serpyllifolius Nuttall (pro sp.) is apparently a hybrid of C. americanus var. intermedius and C. microphyllus (Coile 1988); it is known from scattered sites in FL and GA. [= FNA, K, S, X, Y, Z]" [Weakley FSMAS]
"Squaw carpet occurs in ponderosa pine and red fir forests in the north Coast Range between 640 and 2400 m in elevation (Sampson and Jespersen 1981). It grows best on well-drained soils in partial shade (Post 1989)." [PPNWNP]
"Buds and new growth are browsed by deer (Sampson and Jespersen 1981). Once established, squaw carpet is a valuable species for slope stabilization and erosion control (Post 1989)." [PPNWNP]