Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a deciduous shrub that is native to most of the lower 48 states save the Pacific Northwest region and some western states. It is a member of the Coffee family, Rubiaceae. It typically grows in USDA zones 4 through 9.  In these zones, Buttonbush requires full sun to partial shade, and medium to wet soils. Buttonbush can tolerate flood conditions and shallow standing water for short periods of time. It does not do well in dry soils.  In natural settings, Buttonbush is often found in thickets, low woods, swamps, and stream margins, where older shrubs will have many branches and twisted trunks (see photos). Since it is tolerant of very wet soils, it is an ideal candidate for a rain garden or wetland restoration project. 
 
Growing up to 12' tall and 8' wide, this showy shrub is visited by many different species. The name of this shrub comes from the interesting flowers, which are arranged in small spheres with protruding anthers. Its tiny white flowers bloom all summer and are attractive to many different bee and butterfly species, including the swallowtail butterfly. Fruiting heads appear throughout the winter and are consumed by many waterfowl and shorebirds. Although the flowers and seeds are consumed, the foliage is poisonous to livestock and other animals.  
 
Size: 1 gal     [Local Pickup Only]