The Ceanothus was formerly well known to the people of the United States
under the name of Jersey Tea. Its leaves were extensively used as an
imitation tea during the Revolution. They seem to possess no decided
medicinal qualities, being somewhat astringent, slightly bitter, but not
aromatic. It has been learned from experience that the aromatic plants,
by constant use as teas, will pall upon the appetite, and injuriously
affect digestion; while those which are slightly bitter, but wanting in
aroma, like the China tea plant, may be used without seriously affecting
the health for an indefinite space of time. I believe it may also be
stated as a maxim, that those plants whose properties are sufficiently
active to be used as medicines have never been long employed by any
people as substitutes for tea.
The flowers of the Ceanothus are white, in full and elegant clusters,
without any formality of shape, having a downy appearance, always
attracting attention, not so much by their beauty as by their delicacy
and their profusion. This plant is abundant in New England, flowering in
June on the borders of dry woods.