Buttonbush

Buttonbush
Common Name:
Buttonbush
Botanical Name:
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Family:
Rubiaceae
Zone:
4-10
Height:
3-8'
Spread:
3-6'
Bloom Time:
July, June
Bloom Description:
White, tubular flowers huddle close together and emit a long style (a stem that connects the stigma and ovary) from the center. These flowers are quite tropical-looking and stand out during the summer months when the backdrop is dark green.
Trail/Garden Location:
Art Trail, East Terrace, North Lawn
Garden Uses:
A medium-sized, multi-trunked shrub, it is best used in moist or wet soils. It is seen statewide in Arkansas along stream and river banks, so we use it to help naturalize an area that stays moist, where most shrubs fail. Place it in full sun or light shade.
Wildlife Benefits:
A fantastic pollinator species to attract butterflies and moths. In fact, I would recommend this as an alternate to the non-native Butterfly Bush (Buddleja sp.). Hummingbirds can also be seen visiting the flowers.
Leaf Type:
The dark green, glossy leaves are whorled around the stem and are usually creased.