L.
Identity
Unique IDELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.143056
Element CodePDRHA04010
Record TypeSPECIES
ClassificationSpecies
Classification StatusStandard
Name CategoryVascular Plant
Endemicoccurs (regularly, as a native taxon) in multiple nations
KingdomPlantae
PhylumAnthophyta
ClassDicotyledoneae
OrderRhamnales
FamilyRhamnaceae
GenusCeanothus
Other Common NamesCéanothe d'Amérique (FR) New Jersey tea (EN) New Jersey-tea (EN)
Concept ReferenceKartesz, J.T. 1994. A synonymized checklist of the vascular flora of the United States, Canada, and Greenland. 2nd edition. 2 vols. Timber Press, Portland, OR.
Taxonomic CommentsVarieties of Ceanothus americanus are not recognized by Kartesz (1994, 1999) or FNA (2016, vol. 12), but three are provisionally recognized by Weakley et al. (2023): var. intermedius, var. pitcheri, and var. americanus.
Conservation Status
Rank Method Rank calculation - Biotics v2
Review Date2025-07-10
Change Date1984-02-29
Edition Date2025-07-10
Edition AuthorsKelly McConnell (2001), rev. Johnson, J. (2025)
Threat ImpactUnknown
Range Extent>2,500,000 square km (greater than 1,000,000 square miles)
Number of Occurrences> 300
Rank ReasonsCeanothus americanus is a small shrub that occurs in the eastern United States and southern Canada. This species is relatively rare in the northeastern portion of its range, but common elsewhere. The species has been used for traditional medicine, but current commercial use is probably relatively minor. The roots are used in homeopathic medicine, and plants are grown and sold for landscaping. With a broad range, large number of occurrences, and some tolerance for disturbance, this species is considered secure.
Range Extent CommentsCeanothus americanus is found widely in eastern North America from Minnesota to Maine, south to Texas and Florida in the United States, and southern Quebec and Ontario in Canada (FNA 2016). Range extent was estimated using herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data collected between 1994 and 2025 (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).
Occurrences CommentsBy applying a 1 km separation distance to herbarium specimens, photo-based observations, and NatureServe Network occurrence data documented between 1994 and 2025, it is estimated that there are more than 1500 occurrences rangewide (GBIF 2025, iNaturalist 2025, NatureServe 2025, RARECAT 2025, SEINet 2025).
Threat Impact CommentsThis species is used for traditional medicine, however, commercial use is probably relatively low (pers. comm. A. Bentley, December 2000, Foster and Duke 2000). However, some experts in the medicinal plant industry have suggested that trade is medium to large, and demand has increased (Robbins 1999). Populations in the northeastern portion of the range should be monitored since this species is considered rare throughout much of this area. Should its popularity as a medicinal plant increase, wild populations should be monitored since both bark and roots are traditionally harvested. There may be potential for population decline, especially where the plant is locally rare.
In addition to targeted collection, Ceanothus americanus grows in open habitats that may be impacted by development, canopy closure, and invasive species (NatureServe 2025).