Teatree
Ceanothus sanguineus
Last reviewed: August 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Teatree as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
48"–120" H × 36"–96" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, ID, MI, MT and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Red-stem ceanothus is a native shrub that produces clusters of small white flowers from May through July. This deciduous shrub grows 4 to 10 feet tall and wide, thriving in full sun with minimal water once established. It naturally occurs in forest openings and meadow edges.
In an HOA neighborhood
Teatree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Large mature size may appear overgrown
- Deciduous nature leaves bare branches in winter
- Informal wild appearance doesn't match typical landscaping
Wildlife value
Host plant for echo blue butterfly.
The abundant white flower clusters attract numerous bees and butterflies during the long blooming season. Seeds and foliage provide food for various birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Teatree need?
- Teatree grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Teatree bloom?
- Teatree blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Teatree native?
- Teatree (Ceanothus sanguineus) is native to CA, ID, MI, MT and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Teatree toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Teatree as toxic to livestock.
- What butterflies or moths does Teatree host?
- Teatree is a larval host plant for echo blue butterfly.
- Is Teatree HOA-friendly?
- Teatree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Teatree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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