Ball-shaped, creamy white flowers in August. Butterflies and insects find the nectar irresistible. The nutlike seeds are eaten by many waterfowl and many types of birds use it as a nesting site. Will grow in rain gardens.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Small Animals, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
6 to
10
feet
Spread:
6 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 6 to
10
feet
Spread: 6 to
10
feet
Size
Height: 6 to
10
feet
Spread: 6 to
10
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Plant in a naturalized areas along streams or ponds or grow in a shrub border with moist soil. Attracts butterflies and provides food and nesting sites for birds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Tolerates wide variety of soil conditions. Will grow in very wet conditions. Often outgrows small spaces. Cut back every 2-3 years to reduce height or limb up to form small tree.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fragrant, Rainscaping
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.