Pest identification
What's eating my ceanothus americanus?
Deer and rabbits
Signs: Young plants heavily browsed; stems stripped of foliage; repeated grazing can prevent establishment in the first two to three seasons.
Control: Protect young plants with wire cages or rabbit guards; established plants recover from browsing; deer-resistant fencing where pressure is high.
Spring and summer azure caterpillars
Signs: Small caterpillars feed on flowers and developing fruit; damage is minor and the plant is a valued native larval host.
Control: No control needed; larvae are part of the plant's ecological function as a keystone native shrub.
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on soft new shoots cause leaf curl and honeydew deposits; rarely severe on established plants.
Control: Jet of water to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray if colonies are large; encourage natural predators.
Keep ceanothus americanus pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ceanothus americanus pests — FAQ
What is eating my ceanothus americanus?
New Jersey tea is a tough native shrub with few serious pests. Deer and rabbits browse it readily, especially when plants are young. Azure butterfly caterpillars feed on leaves as part of the plant's ecological role as a larval host. Aphids and spider mites are occasional nuisances on foliage.
How do I get rid of deer and rabbits on ceanothus americanus?
Young plants heavily browsed; stems stripped of foliage; repeated grazing can prevent establishment in the first two to three seasons. Protect young plants with wire cages or rabbit guards; established plants recover from browsing; deer-resistant fencing where pressure is high.
How do I get rid of spring and summer azure caterpillars on ceanothus americanus?
Small caterpillars feed on flowers and developing fruit; damage is minor and the plant is a valued native larval host. No control needed; larvae are part of the plant's ecological function as a keystone native shrub.
How do I get rid of aphids on ceanothus americanus?
Colonies on soft new shoots cause leaf curl and honeydew deposits; rarely severe on established plants. Jet of water to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray if colonies are large; encourage natural predators.