Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

 

Buttonbush is a multi-stemmed shrub which grows 6-12 ft. or occasionally taller. It is a handsome ornamental suited to wet soils and is also a honey plant. It is attractive, both blooms and fruits are ornamental. It is an excellent plant for wet or poor-drainage areas, but will thrive in drier conditions as well. I tend to give it a good soaking once a week. It does best in full sun, but will take partial sun. It's weaker in shadier spots. Pruning is usually not necessary, but may be done in early spring to shape. If plant ever needs to be revitalized, it may be cut back near the ground in early spring. It serves as a nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Waterfowl and other birds relish the seed. It provides protective cover for all kinds of birds. It adapts to many soil types, except dry ones. When planting, make sure you add plenty of organic matter.

Buttonbush grows well in wet soil, including seasonal flood conditions and shallow standing water. Adapts to a wide range of soils except dry ones.

Although it is a wetland shrub that grows in poorly draining areas (it can tolerate water depths up to three feet), it can survive in drier sites as long as it is irrigated. It has many branches coming from the base to form a loose, rounded mound. The flowers, one-inch white fragrant globes that look like pincushions, appear from June to August. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and at least 25 species of birds eat the seeds, which resemble those of the sycamore tree and stay on the plant throughout winter. Relatively fast-growing, buttonbush grows in sun and part sun; it will flower best if given full sun and adequate moisture.

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: high

Soil Requirements: adaptable