Description

Button Bush – Buttonbush 2’+ POTTED – $8.00 EACH

(Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Zone 4-9 Mature Size:5-8′ x Spread:3-6′

Buttonbush is a deciduous shrub in the Rubiaceae (madder) family and native to East Canada, Central America, Cuba, much of the United States, and is found in all areas of North Carolina. It can grow as a tree up to 20 feet but is usually a small shrub up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.

This shrub needs consistently moist to wet, rich soils in full to partial sun. It does well in swamps, streambanks, riverbanks, lakes, and often in standing water up to 3 feet. It is adaptable to various soil types, except for dry ones, and is tolerant of heat and soil compaction. Flowering is poor in the shade or in dry soils. It is multi-stemmed with a rounded to irregular crown and needs little pruning.

In June to September small, fragrant, white, tubular flowers occur in round clusters that have protruding styles, giving them a pincushion-like effect. The fruits are reddish-brown, showy, and persist into winter. Buttonbush has exceptional wildlife benefits, attracting many types of pollinators, waterfowl, birds, and mammals. It is moderately resistant to browsing by deer.