Cephalanthus occidentalis

Also Known As

Buttonbush

Plant type

shrub, perennial, aquatic

size

H: 6'-12'
W: 4'-8'

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Cephalanthus occidentalis plant details

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic shrub with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in rich soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cephalanthus occidentalis

Plant type: perennial aquatic shrub
Plant family: rubiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 12 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cephalanthus occidentalis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture

Soil needs: rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This fabulous U.S. native is of great value for use in swampy areas; this 6-12' rounded shrub produces interesting, white pincushion flower heads in abundance in late summer when little else is in bloom, the flowers remain in perfection for a long time and have a wonderfully rich fragrance before turning into unusual reddish-brown fruits, the green leaves turn shades of red to rust in autumn; this is a must for gardeners working to interest birds as it is known to attract at least 24 different types! S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

A loose, rounded shrub with glossy, bright green foliage. Produces creamy white flowers in August. Native to wet areas, this shrub is best used in those locations. Grows to a mature size of 6-8' tall and wide.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

The 1" fragrant white rounded ball-like flower clusters of this native shrub are adored by butterflies. A vigorous summer flowering medium-large shrub which does well in average garden soils with supplemental water during dry periods or in moist to wet soils. Prune to keep it in bounds and for a fuller denser plant.

By: Almost Eden

A deciduous shrubby plant well-adapted for growing at water's edge. Small, creamy-white, rounded flower heads about 1" across appear during late July. The many prominent pistils are very ornamental, especially in late summer.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

This shrub to tree-like shrub is quietly unassuming until its summer flowers come on. Perfectly round 1" white balls with long exserted stamens that the bees like sets this apart from just about everything else. Native to the eastern half of North America.