Close-up of rounded, white flowers of Celtis occidentalis (Buttonbush).
close up of Cephalanthus occidentalis flower
Young Celtis occidentalis (Buttonbush) grown in 1-gallon pots.

Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush) Unity Grown

Regular price$3.60
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Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as buttonbush, is a large deciduous shrub native to much of the eastern United States, as well as some of the southwest. Capable of growing to mature sizes of up to 6-12' tall and 4-8' wide, buttonbush is found in the wild on riverbanks and in other wet or swampy areas. Used widely in rain gardens, or as an attractive centerpiece to a pollinator garden with wetter soil, buttonbush can tolerate standing water and occasional flooding; though it prefers wetter soils, Cephalanthus occidentalis is very adaptable to a wide range of soil types and even standing water and some salt content.

From June to September, buttonbush produces small, fragrant, white flowers in ball-shaped clusters, giving the flower heads an appearance similar to a pincushion; flowers are highly attractive to pollinators, especially bumblebees and a variety of butterflies. Once pollinated, flowers turn to hard, showy, reddish-brown fruits, which are full of seeds and persist into winter, adding seasonal appeal and serving as a winter food supply for a variety of small birds and mammals; since they tend to grow near bodies of water, this list may also include ducks and beavers! Cephalanthus occidentalis is a great addition to wetland restoration projects, any watery landscape, any low-lying garden environment, or those that have issues with drainage, but also works beautifully as an ornamental selection almost anywhere within the landscape.

Native to Maryland, Native to U.S., Straight Species, and Native to Eastern Shore
Mature Plant Height: Very Tall: 73" and up
Deciduous
Sun (6+ hours) and Part Shade/Sun (4-6 hours of sun)
Soil Moisture: Medium to Wet and Wet
Soil Type: Wide Tolerance, Clay, Sand, Average, Loam, Rich Organic Matter, Poor, and Acidic
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: White
Foliage color: Green
Features: Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Attracts Pollinators, Attracts Wildlife, Host Plant for Butterflies or Moths, Erosion Control, Winter Interest, and Fragrant
Tolerances: Clay Soil Tolerant, Wet Soil Tolerant, Flood Tolerant, and Salt Tolerant
Garden Type: Rain Garden, Pollinator Garden, Wetland Restoration, Woodland Garden, and Meadow

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