Cephalanthus occidentalis: Buttonbush

This Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ publication is part of a series originally written by Edward F. Gilman. Visit https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/ to learn more about creating and maintaining attractive landscapes that protect Florida's water resources and environment.

Introduction

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a large deciduous shrub with a rounded to irregular growth form that reaches a height of 12 feet and spread of 10 feet (Figure 1). As this plant grows larger, the multi-branched plant takes on a more irregular form. Buttonbush has attractive, medium green leaves (Figure 2) followed by a late spring flower display unmatched by many plants. White flowers have an almost whimsical appearance, are borne in a 1- to 1½-inch-diameter globes, and fill the canopy when few other plants are in flower (Figure 3). These clusters of tubular flowers are highly attractive to pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It is also the larval host plant for the promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea) and many other moth species. Showy bright red fruits form by late summer and remain on the plant for the rest of the growing season (Figure 4). The fruit capsule dries and turns brown once mature (Figure 5). This plant may be somewhat inconspicuous until it flowers or displays its fruit.

Buttonbush is native to Florida with a distribution throughout wooded and wetland areas. It is also native to much of the eastern United States, with a distribution through some southwestern states and parts of Mexico. This plant requires moist soil conditions to thrive, is well-suited for rain gardens, wooded or shade gardens, planting near a stream or riverbank, and attracts pollinators.

General Information

Scientific name: Cephalanthus occidentalis

Pronunciation: seff-uh-LANTH-us ock-sid-en-TAY-liss

Common name(s): buttonbush

Family: Rubiaceae

Plant type: shrub

USDA hardiness zones: 4A through 11B (Figures 6 and 7)

Planting month for zone 7: year-round

Planting month for zone 8: year-round

Planting month for zone 9: year-round

Planting month for zones 10 and 11: year-round

Origin: native to Florida

Invasive potential: not known to be invasive

Uses: specimen; border; mass planting; attracts butterflies; riparian zone; rain garden; wooded areas

Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region to find the plant

Description

Height: 6 to 12 feet

Spread: 6 to 10 feet

Plant habit: round; irregular

Plant density: moderate

Growth rate: slow

Texture: medium

Use and Management

Most specimens of buttonbush are small, reaching no more than about 4 to 6 feet tall. Older plants can reach to 10 feet tall in a moist site and grow to more than 12 feet wide. Several stems emerge from the ground forming a flat-topped, vase-shaped canopy. Some pruning may be needed to help this plant maintain its shape. This shrub is best suited for wet sites; buttonbush adapts to landscape sites provided roots are irrigated or kept moist to wet from a nearby stream or pond. Some dieback may occur, especially in the southern part of its range, during moderate or extended drought. This is a hardy plant that is tolerant of flooding, heat; is moderately herbivore resistant; and aids in preventing erosion on the banks of streams and rivers. Buttonbush should be located near a water source or provided additional irrigation during drought conditions.

Propagation is by cuttings or seed.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases of major concern.