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There’s Nothing Common about the Common Buttonbush

September 7, 2023 By Talya Tate Boerner

Common Buttonbush

I’ve been enamored with the Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) since I first noticed it growing wild along the shoreline of Lake Norfork. Even when I knew nothing about this plant, it’s fragrant pom-pom flowers fascinated me. Seriously, I love any plant that looks Dr. Seuss-inspired.

Now that I understand its importance to wildlife, I’m one of its biggest cheerleaders.

One thing that makes the buttonbush unique is its love of water. This particular plant thrives in marshes, bogs, along shorelines and streams, and other low-lying wet areas. (This explains why it lines the shores of my favorite lake.) But even without wet conditions, the buttonbush will adapt in a variety of habitats within growing zones 5-9.

My neighbor planted one on the south side of her house next to our driveway. Even with partial sun and only weekly watering, it has flourished beneath this summer’s heat dome.

Ten Fun Facts about the Common Buttonbush:

Ten Facts about Common Buttonbush

  1. This native shrub’s spherical, pincushion-like flowers bloom creamy white and fragrant throughout early spring into late summer, making it a nectar favorite for bees and butterflies;
  2. Buttonbush is the host plant for the showy hydrangea sphinx and titan sphinx moths;
  3. This shrub provides shelter for frogs and salamanders and nesting habitat for some of our favorite songbirds;
  4. Nicknamed buttonwillow, honey balls, and honey bells, buttonbush is not riddled with pests or diseases;
  5. In autumn, buttonbush seed heads turn a glorious combination of scarlet, green, and gold, before eventually drying to russet;
  6. In winter, buttonbush seeds provide a healthy food source for migrating birds, wood ducks, shorebirds, and other waterfowl;
  7. The roots of the buttonbush prevent or stop erosion;
  8. This shrub will grow in up to 36 feet of water, making it a favorite for use in wetland conservation;
  9. Native Americans used buttonbush bark to treat a variety of digestive ailments, (but like many medicinal plants, parts of the plant may be poisonous so consume only under the guidance of a professional herbalist or physician); and,
  10. Both dried and fresh buttonbush stems enhance any floral arrangement.

Photos of Buttonbush in Late Summer

I took these photos about three weeks ago at Jordan Island (aka Sand Island) at Lake Norfork. As you can see, the seed heads are already showing their fall colors.

Common Buttonbush

These bushes growing on Sand Island are very happy and content. (I feel the same way when I’m there…)

Common buttonbush

😎 😎 😎

What natural beauties!

Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.

Filed Under: Gardening, Nature & Seasons Tagged With: fall foliage, Lake Norfork, native plants

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Comments

  1. Barbara Tate says

    September 7, 2023 at 8:43 am

    I’m going to call them Honey Balls. I like that name better. 😘

  2. Sylvia Lybrand says

    September 7, 2023 at 11:08 am

    Thanks for informing us I will be on lookout for it on Greer ferry

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      September 8, 2023 at 10:25 am

      I bet you’ll find them there!

  3. Carol Owen says

    September 7, 2023 at 11:20 am

    Thanks for the info. The seed heads are beautiful.

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      September 8, 2023 at 10:24 am

      I agree! Thanks, Carol.

  4. Molly Bieshaar says

    September 8, 2023 at 10:15 am

    Do you think they would grow in Colorado?

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      September 8, 2023 at 10:24 am

      They will grow in zones 5-11. Colorado zones range from 3-7, so it depends on where you live in those zones AND how wet the conditions are. If you visit a garden center that specializes in native plants and buttonbushes aren’t sold there, probably not.

  5. Pam says

    July 13, 2024 at 7:01 pm

    We are in west central NH and we have been living on our property for 26 years. We just found this beauty next to our pond that is fed by a bog. We are thrilled! It smells better than a gardenia💗Looking forward to this fall and using it for an arrangement.

    • Talya Tate Boerner says

      July 21, 2024 at 12:58 pm

      How exciting! I bet it is super happy living by a pond.


Hi! I'm Talya Tate Boerner. Writer, Reader, Arkansas Master Naturalist / Master Gardener, Author of

THE ACCIDENTAL SALVATION OF GRACIE LEE (2016)

GENE, EVERYWHERE: a life-changing visit from my father-in-law (2020)

BERNICE RUNS AWAY (2022)

THE THIRD ACT OF THEO GRUENE (coming 2025)

Recent Ramblings:

  • Sunday Letter: May 25, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: May 4, 2025
  • Sunday Letter: Rainy Day Edition
  • Spiderwort: my love-hate relationship
  • Sunday Letter: March 23, 2025

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