Discover the charm of Cephalanthus occidentalis, more commonly known as Buttonbush, a versatile shrub native to regions ranging from East Canada to Central America. With its glossy, dark-green leaves and unusual, long-lasting white or pale-pink blossom globes, Buttonbush is an eye-catching fixture in any landscape. Typically growing 6-12 feet tall, this multi-stemmed shrub is well-suited to wet, rich soils in full to partial sun, making it perfect for swamps, riverbanks or lakeside locations. It's also a versatile choice for rain or water gardens, or as an erosion control feature on wet sites.
Vital to local ecosystems, Buttonbush not only attracts a variety of pollinators, waterfowl, birds, and mammals but it's also a honey plant. Its seeds feed ducks and other water birds, while its moderate resistance to deer browsing ensures its longevity in the wild. From June to September, Buttonbush features small, fragrant white flowers clustered in pincushion-like globes, later replaced by showy reddish-brown fruits that persist into winter. Adaptable, attractive, and robust, Buttonbush is the ideal choice for wetland plant projects, bringing both aesthetic appeal and eco-friendly functionality. Truly a sustainable pick for the environmentally conscious gardener.