Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Shrub Coming Soon
Buttonbush is a Virginia native shrub that typically reaches 6–12 ft and blooms in early summer, mid summer, and late summer with white flowers. It offers exceptional pollinator value, food or habitat for birds, and important larval-host relationships.
About This Plant
- Sun Exposure
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Soil Moisture
- Medium, Medium to Wet, Wet
- Height
- 6–12 ft
- Spread
- 6–12 ft
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer, Late Summer, Mid Summer
- Bloom Color
- White
- Garden Goals
- Attract Hummingbirds, Feed Birds, Help Native Bees, Host Caterpillars, Long Bloom Season, Support Pollinators
- Garden Uses
- Rain garden; wetland edge; pollinator garden; wildlife shrub
- Wildlife Value
- Nectar for butterflies; host for several moths
Buttonbush grows best in full sun or part shade with medium, medium to wet, or wet soil. At maturity, it is typically 6–12 ft tall and 6–12 ft wide. Its flowers, foliage, seeds, or fruit help support hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees, and birds. Notable wildlife value includes: Nectar for butterflies; host for several moths. It is well suited to Rain garden, wetland edge, pollinator garden, wildlife shrub.
Good to know: Distinctive round flowers; excellent for wet sites.