buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis from New England Wild Flower Society

Cephalanthus occidentalis

buttonbush

A common sight in New England wetlands, buttonbush produces fragrant, perfectly spherical flower clusters attractive to a vast range of bees and butterflies. This broad, striking plant can grow anywhere from moist soil to standing water.

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Height: 3-8 ft

Spread: 3-6 ft

Hardiness Zone: 4-10

Bloom Color: White

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status

•

Species

Exposure

•

Sun

Soil Moisture

•

Wet

Ecoregion

•	(83) Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands
•	(59) Northeastern Coastal Zone
•	(84) Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens
•	(82) Acadian Plains and Hills
•	(58) Northeastern Highlands

Ornamental Interest

•	Summer Bloom

Attracts Wildlife

•	Attracts Bees
•	Attracts Butterflies
•	Other Pollinators/Wildlife
•	Host Plant

Tolerance

•	Salt Tolerant
•	Deer/Rabbit Resistant

Additional Attributes

•	Fragrant
•	Low Maintenance

Landscape Use

•	Massing
•	Naturalize
•	Specimen

Growth Habit

•	Spreading/Suckering

North American Distribution

buttonbush - Cephalanthus occidentalis from Native Plant Trust