An uncommon small shrub usually found in colonies on dry, sunny slopes. The white flowers in late spring are attractive to bees and butterflies.

The leaves are distinctively ribbed with three prominent veins.

This photo (with a Silver-spotted Skipper) was taken 6/30/02 along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Carroll Co., Virginia. New Jersey Tea is the host plant for larvae of the Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis), another butterfly.

The flowers grow in tightly clustered panicles.

Carroll Co., VA 7/3/06.

Detail of a single flower.

Carroll Co., VA 7/3/06.