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Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)

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description Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) Overview

Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly called buttonbush, is a deciduous shrub in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, native to wet habitats in North America. It grows along shorelines, in swamps, and in other places with moist or periodically flooded soil. Its summer flowers form distinctive spherical white heads with projecting styles, and the fragrant blooms provide nectar for many insects, including bees and butterflies.

help Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) FAQ

Can buttonbush grow in wet or flooded soil?

Yes, it thrives in conditions that kill most shrubs: shorelines, swamps, and soil that floods periodically. In the wild you'll find Cephalanthus occidentalis along waterways across much of eastern North America, making it a go-to plant for rain gardens and pond edges.

What family is buttonbush in?

It belongs to Rubiaceae, the coffee family, which also includes gardenia. That botanically interesting pedigree is a favorite trivia point for this otherwise humble wetland shrub.

Is buttonbush good for pollinators and wildlife?

Its round, fragrant white flower heads in summer are pollinator magnets, attracting butterflies, bees, and other insects in large numbers. The ball-shaped seed heads persist into fall and feed waterfowl and other birds.

How do you prune buttonbush, and how big does it get?

It typically grows somewhere in the three-to-twelve-foot range depending on conditions. Because it blooms on new wood, you can cut it back hard in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate a leggy plant without losing that summer's flowers.

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