Summary
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, growing 4-15 (occasionally 20) feet tall. It prefers a humusy, moist to wet soil in full sun to partial shade. It will grow in shallow standing water and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, even compacted soil, requiring only that they be moist to consistently wet.
Buttonbush’s ornamental interest comes from its distinctive, spherical flower heads and red fruits. Numerous tiny, white to pale pink, tubular flowers, collectively create a cluster that is about 1½” in diameter, and is best described as pincushion-like. They are displayed on a long stalk, 2½” long, are fragrant, and bloom from early to midsummer. Best flowering occurs in full sun and in a consistently moist site.
The leaves of buttonbush are elliptic in shape, range in length from 3-8” and about half as wide. Their glossy, light green upper surface enhances the floral display. It has no significant fall color.
‘Sugar Shack’ is a compact cultivar growing up to 4′ tall with flower clusters 1″ in diameter.
The whole of buttonbush provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. The foliage supports the caterpillars of the Promethea and Beautiful Wood-Nymph moths. Hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and wasps find nectar and pollen among the flowers. The persisting fruits and seeds offer a valuable winter food for songbirds and waterfowl. Buttonbush’s affinity for moisture makes it an apt selection for a rain garden, pond edge or soil stabilization planting. Potential companion plants include ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris), summer sweet clethra (Clethra alnifolia), blue flag (Iris versicolor), and Virginia waterleaf (Hydrophyllum virginianum). Zones 5-9.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-wet - Flowering Period
early-to-mid-summer - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green - Fall Foliage Color
green - Other Common Names
Common Buttonbush, Buttonbush, Button Willow, Honey Bells, Honeybells, Honey Balls, Honeyballs, Button-bush - Fruit/Seed Color
brown-ivory
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Illinois Wildflowers, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center