Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
General Information
Buttonbush is an easy-to-grow, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree. It has an open-rounded habit.
Buttonbush is generally found in wet open areas, low woods, thickets, swamps, upland sink-hole ponds, river bottomland and stream/pond margins often. It can survive in standing water up to 3 feet deep. Buttonbush needs consistently moist to wet, rich soils in full to partial sun
Buttonbush has flower heads up to 1.5-inches in diameter. The flowerheads have many tiny fragrant tubular creamy-white flowers. It blooms between June and July. Flowering is poor in the shade and in dry soil. Buttonbush flower heads mature into reddish-brown, spherical, ball-like fruits with two-seeded nutlets. Fruits become available August-September.
Plant Information
Plant Type:
Deciduous shrub
Sun Preference:
Full Sun * Part Sun
Soil Moisture Preference:
Wet * Medium-Wet * Medium
Plant Height:
5 to 12 feet
Plant Width:
4 to 8 feet
Plant Spacing:
4 to 6 feet
Flower Color:
White
Flower timing:
June and July
Culture Information:
Buttonbush does best in natural areas. It’s best uses include erosion control on wet sites, in a rain gardens or water gardens, around ponds or streams, and in boggy areas with poor drainage. This is a wetland plant and does best in wet soils. It can also grow in shallow water at the edge of ponds or large water gardens.
Buttonbush needs consistent moisture. If used in rain gardens and weather is dry it will benefit from supplemental watering.
Buttonbush needs little pruning, limited to that necessary to shape the plant. If it becomes unmanageable, cutting back near to the ground in early spring will revitalize it.
Buttonbush has a low flammability rating.
Tolerates:
Compaction
Deer
Erosion
Fire
Heat
Wet Soil
Pests & Disease:
Buttonbush typically has no serious insect problems.
Buttonbush doesn’t usually have serious disease problems.
Wildlife Use:
Pollinators: Buttonbush’s flowers are very attractive nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other insect pollinators.
Birds: Buttonbush attracts waterfowl and birds. Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, and songbirds and waterfowl eat its seeds.
Mammals: Buttonbush attracts mammals and is moderately resistant to browsing by deer
Other: Buttonbush is an exceptional plant for wildlife.
Native to:
East Tennessee including Knox and surrounding counties
More Information:
NC State Plant Database:
Missouri Botanical Garden:
TN-KY Plant Atlas
Other Link: