25 Button Bush Seeds - Cephalanthus occidentalis Native Shrub for Wetland Gardens

Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a native North American shrub prized for its unique, spherical white flower heads that resemble small buttons or pincushions. These fragrant blooms appear in summer and are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Button Bush is an excellent choice for wetland gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas, where it provides food and cover for wildlife. Its tolerance for wet soils makes it a valuable addition to challenging landscape sites.

This deciduous shrub typically grows 6-12 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, multi-stemmed habit. The glossy green foliage turns yellow in fall, adding seasonal interest. Button Bush is adaptable and low-maintenance, thriving in full sun to partial shade. It is a host plant for several butterfly species, including the Baltimore checkerspot, and its seeds are eaten by waterfowl and other birds.

Plant Features

• Unique spherical white flower heads bloom in summer
• Fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Tolerates wet and poorly drained soils
• Provides food and cover for wildlife
• Native to North America and adaptable to various garden settings

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Cephalanthus occidentalis
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained to poorly drained
• Water Requirements: Medium to high; tolerates standing water
• Growth Habit: Rounded, multi-stemmed
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
• Bloom Season: Summer
• Mature Height: 6-12 feet
• Spacing: 4-6 feet apart

Planting & Care

To grow Button Bush from seeds, start indoors in late winter or sow directly outdoors in fall. Scarify seeds by lightly nicking the seed coat or soaking in warm water for 24 hours to improve germination. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in a moist seed-starting mix and keep consistently wet. Maintain a temperature around 70°F. Germination can be slow and uneven, taking several weeks to months. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a sunny location. Harden off before planting outdoors after the last frost.

Button Bush thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and can be planted near ponds, streams, or in rain gardens. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, it is relatively low-maintenance. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

What's Included

25 Button Bush seeds (Cephalanthus occidentalis).