Buttonbush is a native multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an open rounded habit and unusual round flower clusters resembling pincushions. The glossy bright green foliage emerges late in spring. Its clusters of tiny white flowers bloom in mid summer and mature to rounded fruits that last through winter. Prefers rich, moist to wet and well-drained soils.
Cephalanthus occidentalis is an excellent native replacement for butterfly bushes, and acts as a host plant for several types of butterflies and attractive moths. It also provides late season seeds and nesting areas for birds.
Type: |
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Origins: |
Eastern N. America; GA Native |
Height: |
5’ - 12’ |
Spread: |
4’ - 8’ |
Spacing: |
6’ |
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
4 - 9 |
Culture: |
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Bloom Color: |
White |
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance. Can tolerate any soil condition but dry. No serious pest or disease issues.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Naturalized Areas, Pond Edges, Coastal Exposure, Urban Gardens, Foundational Plantings, and Hedges.
COMPANION PLANTS: Sweet Flag, Ferns, Iris
IMAGES: User:BotBln, Cephalanthus occidentalis BotGardBln07122011A, CC BY-SA 3.0, (2) User:BotBln, Cephalanthus occidentalis BotGardBln07122011B, CC BY-SA 3.0
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.