I fell in love with this shrub the first time I saw it. The flowers are so unique. This is typically a wetland plant but will tolerate average (not dry) garden conditions if it is kept well-watered until it is established. It can tolerate standing water and is a good candidate for a rain garden.
The leaves of this plant are poisonous to mammals, so if you have pets that chew on plants it may not be right for you.
Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonbush)
Sun: full sun to part shade
Soil: wet to medium wet
Height: up to 12 ft
Bloom color: white
Bloom time: June-August
Buttonbush is considered a plant of special value to native bees and bumble bees.
Buttonbush is the host plant for several butterfly and moth larva, including the Beautiful Wood-Nymph.
It is a food source for adult Titan Sphinx and Hydrangea Sphinx moths.
