Buttonbush: flowers are cute as a button!

The buttonbush shrub is native to wet areas throughout most of the United States. It is so widespread that a bee commentary on the plant referred to is as the most widespread bee plant, hugh! It is an excellent plant for wildlife gardening since it lures in hummingbirds, birds, ducks, bees, butterflies and many other insects. The ducks and shorebirds visit the shrub when it is located in a flooded area. That is a unique plant feature, a plant that it tolerates standing water! Beware, it also is enjoyed by browsing deer.
The creamy white globe flowers are slightly aromatic and continue for one month. The nutlet that appears after the flower will dangle on the shrub through winter if the songbirds don’t get them first. It is these same nutlets that are food for ducks.
The only limiting characteristic of this 12’ multi-stemmed shrub is that it dislikes dry periods. The buttonbush is perfect for partial shade or full sun areas around retention ponds, rain gardens, naturalized areas or swampy areas. My buttonbush has been growing vigorously for ten years next to paw paw trees and fringe trees and is satisfied with the same moisture requirements as these fellows. The shrubs propagate quickly and easily from summer wood cuttings without any treatments. Get a cutting from a friend and try it. You will love the diverse butterflies that visit!

Joyce Browning Horticulturist, Master Gardener Coordinator
Video credit: Bethany Evans Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program Alumni; CPH


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