Species Common Buttonbush
white-beige flowers with white-yellow stamens, lime fruits, dark-green leaves and lime stems

Common Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis var. occidentalis

Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis var. occidentalis) is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is found growing in wet environments ranging from swamps and marshes to pond margins and wet meadows. Its rounded, spreading habit forms a dense shrub up to 6 feet tall. In summer, the deep green foliage is covered with clusters of white, fragrant, ball-shaped flowers. These are beloved by pollinators and the fruit that follows is enjoyed by bird species. The root system provides great soil erosion control, making it a valuable asset in streamside plantings.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red,brown Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Common Buttonbush requires regular watering to ensure optimal growth and health. It is best to water the plant deeply and thoroughly when the soil begins to dry, allowing it to become almost completely dry in between waterings. On average, the plant should be watered around once to twice per week. Keep in mind that each individual plant species and climate needs may require different amounts of water. If the area gets frequent rainfall, you may not need to water as often. It is important to ensure that water can freely drain through the soil and that the plant is not sitting in water for long periods of time.

sunlight

Common Buttonbush, also known as Cephalanthus occidentalis var. occidentalis, requires direct sunlight for optimal growth and development. Ideally, the plant should receive 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day with some partial sunlight during the hottest days. A south facing location is typically recommended for optimal sunlight absorption. During the winter season, it is best to avoid planting Common Buttonbush in areas that receive more than a few hours of direct sunlight, as the plant is not tolerant of cold temperatures.

pruning

The best time to prune a Common Buttonbush is in late winter, before new growth begins. Pruning should be done lightly and selectively, as over-pruning can reduce the amount of flowers and fruit the plant produces. It is best to remove 1-2 of the oldest stems each year, as well as any dead or damaged stems. If the bush needs more substantial pruning, it should be done in increments over a few years. To promote more flowers and fruit, the end of branches can also be trimmed back after flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from the species Cephalanthus occidentalis var. occidentalis is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from the species Cephalanthus occidentalis var. occidentalis is typically in late summer or early fall, usually between August and October.