- Red Root is a half-hardy shrub growing to 4 or 5 feet high. It has downy leaves and stems and small ornamental white flowers in great numbers, coming into bloom June or July, followed by bluntly triangular seed vessels. It is usually called "New Jersey Tea" in America because its leaves were used as a substitute for tea during the War of Independence. In Canada, it is used to dye wool a cinnamon color. It takes its name from its large red roots. Its wood is tough, pale brown red, with fine rays