Buttonbush: The Native, Moisture-Loving Shrub

If you have a constantly wet area in your landscape, you might be wondering what, if anything, can be planted there. The answer is a native shrub know commonly as buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis).

Buttonbush grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 5 to 12 feet or more and widths of 4 to 8 feet.  This deciduous species boasts glossy, dark green leaves that form whorls. Although it does not add fall color to your landscape, buttonbush makes up for that lack during its June to September flowering period. Buttonbush flowers are unusual 1-inch globes of densely- packed, tiny white or pinkish flowers that cover the shrub. The blooms are long-lasting with extremely long pistils that protrude in a delicate “fringe" around the flower head. The fragrant flower heads are a magnet for pollinators of many types, especially bees and butterflies. Buttonbush is an important adult food source for two sphinx moths found in our area: Titan sphinx moth (Aellopos titan) and hydrangea sphinx moth (Darapsa versicolor).  The shrub is considered of special value by the Pollinator Program of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Honeybees and native bees produce honey from the buttonbush nectar and pollen. After blooming, the flower heads become attractive red, ball shaped fruits composed of multiple, tiny, two-seeded nutlets which persist through the winter. Birds consume the seeds, and the shrub itself is considered to be moderately deer resistant.

Photo credit: Mary Alice Koeneke

Buttonbush grows very well in wet soils including flood conditions and shallow standing water and adapts to a wide range of soil types. Its foliage and flowers are very attractive in rain gardens and along ponds or creeks and can be planted for erosion control. Pruning is not necessary but can be completed in the early spring to shape the plant. If the buttonbush becomes unmanageable, cut it to the ground and allow it to rejuvenate. Buttonbush has no serious insect or disease problems. If you are concerned about the large growth habit of buttonbush, a dwarf nativar, Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sugar Shack’ grows 3 to 4 feet high and 3 to 4 feet wide.

If you are looking for an attractive, easy to grow, native shrub that pollinators love and adapts to persistently wet areas, Buttonbush is your plant!