Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)

One of the most reliably water-tolerant native shrubs available, buttonbush handles standing water up to 3 feet deep while delivering a genuinely spectacular pincushion bloom that draws hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies through the heart of summer.

Species Overview

Commonly known as buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis is a deciduous shrub native to wetlands across North America. It grows 6 to 12 feet tall and is distinguished by its spherical flower clusters, which bloom in summer and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The shrub thrives in wet soils and is often found along streambanks, ponds, and marshes. Its dense growth provides excellent cover for birds, while its seeds are eaten by waterfowl.

Application

• Wetland restoration - tolerates standing water up to 3 ft. deep
• Rain garden and pond-edge plantings
• Streambank and marsh restoration
• Pollinator habitat plantings - exceptional summer bloom for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• Wildlife habitat - seeds eaten by waterfowl and shorebirds, nesting cover for wood ducks

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wet, rich soils; tolerates standing water up to 3 ft.; adaptable to most soils except dry ones
• Drought Tolerance: Low - sensitive to drought
• Flood Tolerance: High - Needs consistently moist to wet, rich soils and does well in swamps, streambanks, riverbanks, lakes, and standing water up to 3 ft. deep. Adaptable to various soil types except dry ones.
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 4-8 ft. (occasionally to 20 ft. as a small tree)
• Fall Color: Insignificant/None
• Bloom Color / Period: White; June-August
• Wetland Indicator Status: OBL (Obligate Wetland)
• Native Range: Nova Scotia west to Minnesota, south to Florida and eastern Texas
• Hydrology: Wet
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Deer Resistance: Yes (Rarely Damaged)
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies, supports hummingbirds, nectar source