Ceanothus americanus

Attracts the highest diversity of insect species of any native shrub or forb I have seen; sometimes it is literally swarming with insects. Leaves can be used to make tea. Extremely long-lived with a tremendous taproot. Should be pruned to ground or burned every several years. Seeds require high temperatures (burning) to break dormancy. Extremely palatable to mammals. Host for many moths and butterflies including Spring Azure (Celastrina ladon), Summer Azure (Celastrina neglecta), and Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis).