CEPHALANTHUS OCCIDENTALIS / BUTTONBUSH

CEPHALANTHUS OCCIDENTALIS / COMMON BUTTONBUSH

A Native Shrub with Unique Globular Flowers and Wildlife Value

Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as Common Buttonbush, is a native deciduous shrub prized for its unique spherical clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom from mid to late summer. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with consistently moist to wet soils, Buttonbush adds texture, color, and ecological benefits to wetlands, pond edges, and naturalized landscapes. Its flowers attract pollinators, and its seeds provide food for birds.

Why Choose Common Buttonbush?

Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds; seeds feed birds.
Wetland Tolerant: Thrives in moist to wet soils, perfect for rain gardens, marshes, and pond edges.
Ornamental Flowers: Globular white flower clusters add dramatic seasonal interest.
Low Maintenance: Long-lived, adaptable, and resilient in native plantings.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Dark green leaves turning yellow in fall.
Flower Color: Spherical, fragrant white flower clusters in mid to late summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 6–12 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist to wet soils; tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 6–12 feet tall, 6–12 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9.
Flowering: Mid to late summer with globular white flower clusters.
Fall Interest: Yellow foliage and ornamental seed heads.

Ideal Uses:

Wetlands & Rain Gardens: Ideal for pond edges, marshes, and wet naturalized landscapes.
Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.
Borders & Naturalized Plantings: Adds structure, texture, and seasonal interest.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Resilient and adaptable in moist conditions.

Common Buttonbush is a striking and ecologically valuable native shrub. Its unique spherical flowers, wildlife benefits, and tolerance for wet conditions make it a standout choice for wetlands, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes.