Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Summary

The alternate common name for buttonbush, ‘honey ball’, is a clue to the allure it holds for pollinators. The unique, Sputnik-shaped white flowers are a veritable fountain of pollen and nectar for many butterflies and bees. Blooming throughout the summer, it draws the attention of people and pollinators alike, and is an excellent native alternative to butterfly bush (Buddleia).

Button bush loves wet feet, and can even withstand flooding. It’s tolerant of all soil types and grows in sun or shade (though blooms will be more abundant in a sunny location). It quickly grows to its mature height of 6-8 feet, and can be pruned right down to the ground in spring to control any tendency towards legginess.

More Details

FAMILY

Rubiaceae (Madder)

BLOOM TIME

June-August

FLOWER

White

MATURE SIZE

6-10 feet

LIGHT REQUIREMENT

Sun, part shade, shade

SOIL CONDITIONS

Medium to moist soils

NATIVE STATUS

PA Native

Ecosystem Connections

When buttonbush’s  blooms are spent, they transform into round red seed heads (or ‘buttons’), which contain pairs of nutlets that are eagerly sought by birds and other wildlife. The leaves of this deciduous shrub are host to the striking hydrangea sphinx moth (Darapsa versicolor).

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