Cephalanthus occidentalis is a species of flowering plant in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that is native to eastern and southern North America. Common names include buttonbush, common buttonbush, button-willow and honey-bells.
Cephalanthus occidentalis is a deciduous shrub or small tree that averages 1–3 m (3.3–9.8 ft) in height, but can reach 6 m (20 ft). The leaves are opposite or in whorls of three, elliptic to ovate, 7–18 cm (2.8–7.1 in) long and 4–10 cm (1.6–3.9 in) broad, with a smooth edge and a short petiole. Buttonbush is a common shrub of many wetland habitats in its range, including swamps, floodplains, mangrove, pocosin, riparian zones, and moist forest understory. It is a member of the flora in the Everglades. Buttonbush is cultivated as an ornamental plant for a nectar source or 'honey plant' and for aesthetics in gardens and native plant landscapes, and is planted on slopes to help control erosion. Buttonbush is a suitable shrub for butterfly gardens.
Buttonbush needs to be planted in a moist place. It also may be grown in shallow water at the edge of ponds or large water gardens. Make sure the soil is never dry.
Preferring a moist, rich, fertile soil high in organic matter, this tolerates a range of pH levels from acidic to neutral. So far as the soil type is concerned, button bush grows well in a wide range from clay or loam to limestone. A peaty soil is considered ideal.
Those plants that receive a light application of fertilizer once a year in the early spring are generally the most free flowering. Fertilizing is not neccessary though.
