Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Type: Deciduous shrub

Family: Rubiaceae

Height:5-12 feet

Spread: 4-8 feet

Native Range: North America, common throughout Missouri

Site Requirements:

Soil: all but dry soil

Water: Medium to wet

Sunlight needs: full sun to part shade

Tolerates: erosion, wet soils

Landscape use: rain garden

Brief Description: Buttonbush is a somewhat coarse, deciduous shrub with an open-rounded habit. Long, projecting styles give the flower heads a distinctively pincushion-like appearance. They appear in mid-summerFlower heads are very attractive to bees and butterflies. Flower heads mature into hard spherical ball-like fruits consisting of multiple tiny two-seeded nutlets. Fruiting heads usually persist throughout the winter. Leaves emerge late in spring (May). Genus’ name comes from the Greek words cephalo (head) and anthos (flower).

Wildlife Benefits: Attracts butterflies

Possible Problems: No serious insect or disease problems.

Stand out Features: Fragrant flowers are very attractive to bees and butterflies.

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