Ceanothus americanus

New Jersey Tea packs a lot of wildlife value in a small shrub! White flower clusters attract bees and butterflies. Flowers give way to pink, then black seeds that are eaten by birds. Though not evergreen, its size and shape make it a good boxwood alternative. Needs a thorough soaking at least once a week the first year. After that, plants are very drought tolerant. If deer pressure, cage for the first year. Older plants can handle browse. Dried leaves make a nice tea.

Photo by Andrey Zharkikh.