Cephalanthus occidentalis aka Common Buttonbush
Taxonomy
Cephalanthus occidentalis, also known as buttonbush, is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to eastern and southern North America, including Canada, Central America, Cuba, and the United States. This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with leaves that are elliptic to ovate, opposite or in whorls of three, and 7-18 cm long. Buttonbush thrives in moist to wet, rich soils in full to partial sun, and is commonly found in wetland habitats such as swamps, floodplains, mangroves, pocosins, riparian zones, and moist forest understories. It is also a member of the flora in the Everglades. Buttonbush is a versatile plant that has exceptional wildlife benefits and is suitable for butterfly gardens. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its nectar source and aesthetics in gardens and native plant landscapes. Additionally, it is planted on slopes to help control erosion. Common names for Cephalanthus occidentalis include common buttonbush, button-willow, buck brush, and honey-bells.
Common names
Common Buttonbush, Button Willow, ButtonbushHow to care for Common Buttonbush
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Common Buttonbush is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Common Buttonbush should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Common Buttonbush loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Common Buttonbush prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Common Buttonbush has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Common Buttonbush’s native range is Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Minnesota and California.
More info:
Wikipedia
