Red Root

About Red Root

Red Root, also known as Inland New Jersey Tea, is a tough, low-growing shrub that brings a cloud of fragrant white blossoms to the early summer prairie. Often confused with its relative, New Jersey Tea, this species is slightly smaller, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet in height, and features narrower, glossier leaves. It is named for its thick, red-barked roots, which allow it to thrive in the harshest, driest conditions, including sandy or rocky soils. Its white flower clusters appear from May to June, attracting a bustling community of pollinators, from butterflies to beneficial predatory wasps. Native to the central and eastern United States, it is a critical component of dry prairie and savanna ecosystems. It serves as a larval host for several butterfly species, including the Mottled Duskywing, and provides high-quality browse for wildlife. Red Root is best grown in full sun and very well-drained soil; it is a perfect candidate for water-wise landscaping or challenging sunny slopes where few other shrubs can survive.