Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentialis)
Description
Buttonbush is a deciduous shrub that is native to much of the U.S. and is found in all areas of North Carolina. It can grow as a tree up to 20 feet but is usually a small shrub up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It is adapted to shorelines and swamps with saturated soil and full sunlight and will tolerate water depths up to three feet. It also does well in stream banks, riverbanks, lakes and often in standing water. Flowering is poor in the shade or in dry soils. It is multi-stemmed with a rounded to irregular crown and needs little pruning.
This shrub can be used for erosion control on wet sites. It needs consistently moist to wet rich soils in sun to part sun. It is adaptable to various soil types except for dry ones. Use in a rain or water garden, around a pond or along streams and boggy areas with poor drainage. This plant is tolerant to heat and soil compaction.
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