Buttonbush | Cephalanthus Occidentalis

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Gardening | Plant ID

Common buttonbush is found in wildlife habitats

Common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) grows well in a sandy, wet environment. 

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae, that is native to eastern and southern North America. Common names include buttonbush, common buttonbush, button-willow and honey-bells.

Common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a deciduous shrub or small tree that averages 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) in height, but can reach 6 m (20 ft). The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three, elliptic to ovate, 7–18 cm (2.8–7.1 in) long and 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) broad, with a smooth edge and a short petiole. The flowers are arranged in a dense spherical inflorescence 2–3.5 cm (0.79–1.38 in) in diameter on a short peduncle. Each flower has a fused white to pale yellow four-lobed corolla forming a long slender tube connecting to the sepals. The stigma protrudes slightly from the corolla. The fruit is a spherical cluster of achenes (nutlets).

The fiery skipper (Hylephila phyleus) on button bush

 

The buttonbush is a member of the Madder family (Rubiaceae). Other family members include Pentas, Gardenias, Coffea (coffee), Cinchona (the source of quinine), and dyer's madder (used to make red dye).

The seeds of the buttonbush are eaten by ducks.

˂˂ Common buttonbush contains the poison CEPHALATHIN. Cephalathin will induce vomiting, paralysis, and convulsions if ingested.  ˃˃                                                                                                                                                                                                  

All material © 2000-2021 by Jeanette Hyden for Grassroots Horticulture

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