Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Estimated Height at Pickup: 2-3’, 3 gal

A distinctive, showy, flowering bush perfect for feeding a variety of pollinators in wet areas such as water edges, rain gardens, and ditches. Fragrant flowers bloom in showy white spheres and as you might guess, attract butterflies! Hosts a few large moths including the stunning promethea silk moth.

Pollination: Likely self pollinating.

Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture: Wet, Wet Mesic

Soil Type: Peat, Loam, Sandy Loam, Clay Loam

Height: 5’-12’ 

Width: 4’-8’

Bloom Color: White

Bloom Time: Jun 

Fruit: Seeds develop in small capsules on the round seed head, which begins as red and darkens to brown when dry.

Fall Color: Orange, Red

Root Type: Branching

Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, and occasionally hummingbirds. Hosts a couple moths including the promethea silk moth, buttonbush sphinx and buttonbush leafminer, and a few small insects.

Notes: Grows larger with more water, and may reach 20’ in ideal bog conditions.