Buttonbush
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
As well as an adorable name, buttonbush is a handsome and unique shrub. Buttonbushes grow to be medium-large with bright, glossy green leaves and many, spreading branches. This shrub gets its name from its distinctive spherical, white flowers with protruding anthers that bloom all summer. Buttonbushes needs consistently moist to wet, rich soils in full to partial sun. It does well in wetlands, streambanks, lake edges, and often in standing water up to 3 feet.
Bare root, 2-3'
Sourced from Michigan
|
Mature height (ft) |
5-15 |
| Mature spread (ft) | 3-8 |
| Sun preference | Full sun to part shade |
| Native/Non-native* | Native |
| Soil type preference | Clay, loam, sand |
| Soil moisture preference | Wet, moist |
| Bloom | June to September |
| Fruits | August to September, persists through winter |
| Pollination | Somewhat self-pollinating |
| Zone | 4-9 |
| pH | Acidic |
| Wildlife benefit | Seeds are food source for ducks, other waterbirds, and shorebirds; attracts pollinators |
| Uses | Rain gardens, erosion control, ornamental |
| Resistance/tolerance | Tolerates standing water up to 3 ft, deer resistant |
*Non-native is not inherently negative; non-native species refers to any species living outside of its natural range and can have neutral, positive, or negative impacts. Invasive species are a non-native species that spread aggressively and cause harm to the environment, economy and/or human health. Many non-native species have naturalized and fill a beneficial niche in the ecosystem.
Resources
Cephalanthus occidentalis, Plant Database, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, The University of Texas at Austin
Cephalanthus occidentalis, North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
Buttonbush, The Morton Arboretum