Cephalanthus occidentalis, Buttonbush, is a deciduous shrub with an open-rounded habit. The leaves emerge in the late spring, and the flowers pop up in the early to mid summer. The shrub has unusual blooms that look like white pincushions. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Coming out from the flowers in the fall and winter are “button”-like fruits with two-seeded nutlets. Buttonbush can tolerate flooded conditions and is a great choice for a rain garden.

LGS Notes:

I love the unique flowers of buttonbush. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are attracted to their nectar. Many species of waterfowl and shorebirds eat the seeds and wood ducks use the foliage to protect brooding nests. Buttonbush tolerates wet soil and can be used to stabilize erosion and in rain gardens and conservation landscapes. Fall foliage is a beautiful deep maroon and purple. There are more compact varieties which have proven just as beneficial as the straight species.   ~Lauren

Cultivar of Cephalanthus occidentalis