Scientific Name:
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Common Name:
Buttonbush
Scientific Name Pronounciation:
Seh-fuh-LAN-thus ox-ih-den-TAL-is
Plant Type:
Shrub
Plant Hardiness Zones:
6B through 8B
Plant Hardiness Zone(s):
- 6
- 7
- 8
Usual Size:
8'-12' tall and about half as wide
Flower:
Fragrant flower heads resemble white pincushions covered in tiny, tubular flowers with styles protruding beyond the corollas
Bloom Time Notes:
Summer
Leaf:
Leaves are deciduous, opposite or sometimes whorled in groups of 3 or 4, ovate to oblong, 2-6" long by 2-3" wide
Fruit:
Hard, round, reddish-brown seed capsules, each containing 4 nutlets, persisting from autumn through winter
Wildlife:
Seeds are eaten by songbirds and waterfowl, particularly wood ducks. Flowers are an excellent nectar source for insects. Leaves may be toxic to livestock
Natural Habitat:
Wetlands and floodplains
Propagation:
By seed. Also forms colonies by root sprouts.
Bloom Time:
- Summer
Sun or Shade:
- Sun
Companion Plants:
Cultural Notes:
An obligate wetland plant, buttonbush can withstand prolonged submergence. It prefers a lot of sun and is a good choice for open wetland restorations sites.