Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as buttonbush, is a deciduous shrub prized for its distinctive globe shaped white flowers and strong appeal to pollinators. Found naturally in wetlands and streambanks, this native plant thrives in moist conditions and provides year round interest with glossy foliage, late summer blooms, and ornamental seed heads that persist into winter.
Height & Spread: 6 - 12 ft x 6 - 12 ft
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet soils, tolerates periodic flooding
Watering Needs: High; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderate; young shoots may be browsed
Native Status
Native to North America, particularly in the eastern and southern United States, Cephalanthus occidentalis naturally inhabits swampy lowlands, floodplains, and stream margins.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Bees
- Extremely attractive to native bumblebees, sweat bees, and leafcutter bees providing abundant nectar during late summer.
Butterflies
- Attracts butterflies including Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Monarchs that frequent the spherical blossoms for nectar.
Moths
- Serves as a host plant for the hydrangea sphinx moth and buttonbush sphinx moth.
Birds
- Seed heads provide food for songbirds such as goldfinches and the dense structure offers cover for nesting birds in wetland zones.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 5 - 8 ft apart for informal screening or wildlife hedgerows.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, and wildlife corridors where consistent moisture and sun are available.
Companion Plants
- Physostegia virginiana (Obedient Plant) - Upright pink purple flowers mirror buttonbush bloom season and thrive in similar soils.
- Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) - Bright red blooms attract hummingbirds and add vertical accent at the base of buttonbush.
- Cornus sericea (Red Twig Dogwood) - Vivid red stems and moisture tolerance complement buttonbush in seasonal wet zones.
- Itea virginica 'Henry's Garnet' - Cascading white flower spikes and brilliant fall color enhance wetland and rain garden plantings.
- Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) - Forms dense grassy mounds that stabilize soil in moist settings around buttonbush bases.