Deciduous Native Shrub
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Height: Up to 15’
Blooms: June–August
Bloom color: White
Moisture: Moist–Medium (can be wet)
Soil: Limestone-based, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Deer: Resistant
Drought: Sensitive
Attracts: Butterflies, bees, birds
Pollinator benefit: good nectar source; Xerces rated as "special value" to honey bees, native bees, and bumble bees
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) A mature Buttonbush is a handsome ornamental shrub. Resembling a small leaning tree, it grows up to 15 feet on a twisted trunk with many branches and an irregular crown. Native to open wet areas and low woods, Buttonbush is easily grown in moist or wet soils, including areas that experience flooding, making it a good candidate for the rain garden. It is adaptable to a wide range of soils but is not suitable for dry sites.
Buttonbush can help preserve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat. Waterfowl and shorebirds eat the seeds, and Wood ducks use the plant’s structure for protection of brooding nests. It is a useful for erosion control or stream bank stabilization, as well.
Source: www.wildflower.org