Cephalanthus occidentalis - Buttonbush

The ultimate flooded-soil survivor with spectacular, spherical summer blooms.

6-12' × 6-12' | White, spherical "pincushion" blooms, mid-summer | Broad, open, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub | Full sun to part shade, moist to flooded soils | Exceptional summer nectar, wetland restoration, and waterfowl/bird value

Native to swamps, floodplains, marshes, and the edges of ponds across almost all of North America, Cephalanthus occidentalis is a true wetland specialist. It thrives in heavy, wet clay and organically rich boggy soils. It is one of the few native shrubs that not only tolerates but actively prefers growing in standing water, though it adapts well to average garden moisture as long as it never dries out completely. Full sun yields the best floral display and densest habit.

​In mid-summer, the plant is covered in highly unique, perfectly spherical, one-inch flower heads that look like exploding white fireworks or fuzzy pincushions. These incredibly fragrant blooms are a magnet for native bees, skippers, and swallowtail butterflies. The foliage consists of glossy, bright green, ovate leaves that emerge quite late in the spring (often causing gardeners to mistakenly think the plant has died) and turn a modest yellow-green in the autumn.

​As the flowers fade, they develop into hard, reddish-brown, spherical nutlets (the "buttons") that persist on the bare, highly textured stems throughout the winter. These provide excellent architectural winter interest and serve as a crucial late-season food source for ducks and overwintering songbirds.

​Buttonbush makes a phenomenal rain garden anchor, retention pond border, or low-lying swale specimen thanks to its extreme flood tolerance and highly unusual floral display. Because the straight species can become quite large and unruly, several fantastic cultivars have been developed for residential landscapes, including 'Sugar Shack' (a compact 3-4' dwarf form with red-tinged fruit) and 'Magical Moonlight' (a denser, heavier-blooming 5-8' variety).

Larval Host for:

Hydrangea Sphinx Moth Darapsa versicolor

Titan Sphinx Moth Aellopos titan

Royal Walnut Moth Citheronia regalis

Promethea Silkmoth Callosamia promethea

Find more information: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cephalanthus-occidentalis/