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, Buttonbush

How 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

Common Buttonbush thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Buttonbush.

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