A delightful Missouri and Illinois native shrub, Buttonbush, Cephalanthus occidentalis, is adored by humans and pollinators for its adorable, fragrant, white orbital flowers in summer. Their long styles give the blossoms a pincushion look. The flowers mature into attractive pinkish round fruits made up of two-seeded nutlets. These ornamental fruits last throughout the winter. It is desirable to many Missouri wildlife creatures, including butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Ducks and other birds enjoy its tasty seeds. Beavers find their wood delicious and will use it to build dams and lodges. Host plant to various native moths, including the entertaining Sphynx Moth.

Buttonbush grows into an open-rounded shrub 6-12′ tall. It easily grows in moist, rich soil and tolerates wet conditions, including standing water. A popular and sought-after shrub, it makes an ideal choice for rain gardens, naturalized areas, woodlands, native gardens, and shrub borders. It may also be grown in shallow water at the edge of ponds. This versatile shrub can help stop erosion, block unsightly views, attract wildlife, and perfume the yard!

Designated a Missouri Botanical Garden Plant of Merit for its outstanding qualities.

Plant in full sun to part shade. Buttonbush prefers rich, moist soil. Although tolerant of harsh conditions, it suffers in dry, hot spots. Water during the dry days of summer. If plants need to be revitalized, cut back to about 6″ in early spring.