Cephalanthus occidentalis, commonly known as buttonbush, is a distinctive Florida-native shrub that thrives in wetlands, pond margins, and other consistently moist environments. It typically grows between 6 and 12 feet tall with a naturally rounded, somewhat open form, though it can become more tree-like in wetter conditions. Its glossy, dark green leaves are arranged oppositely or in whorls and may turn a soft yellow before dropping in fall.
The plant is best known for its unusual, spherical white flower clusters that appear from late spring through summer. These fragrant blooms resemble small pincushions, made up of tiny tubular flowers with long, protruding styles that give them a delicate, spiky texture. As the season progresses, the flowers mature into reddish-brown, ball-shaped seed heads that can persist into fall and winter, adding continued visual interest.
Buttonbush plays an important ecological role, attracting a wide range of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, while also serving as a host plant for several moth species, including the hydrangea sphinx moth (Darapsa versicolor) and the titan sphinx (Aellopos titan). Its seeds provide food for birds, while its dense branching offers cover and habitat for wildlife. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and is especially well-suited to wet soils, even tolerating standing water for extended periods. Although it prefers moist conditions, it can adapt to average soils once established.
In the landscape, buttonbush is an excellent choice for rain gardens, shoreline plantings, and naturalized areas where water is present. It requires little maintenance beyond occasional pruning to shape or control its size and is valued not only for its unique ornamental qualities but also for its contribution to native ecosystems.
 
Native to Florida and most of the central and east U.S.
Natural range in FL includes the entire state
6-12' tall and 4-8' wide
Full to Part sun
Consistently moist soils
Can be grown in zones 8-11
 
Size: 3 gal
 
Shipping materials are recycled. Please feel free to compost our shredded paper we use for cushioning. The package and loose-fill packing may have been reused. Feel free to reuse again, use as mulch, compost, or recycle.
 
Plants are only shipped on Mondays and Tuesdays. This is to avoid plants sitting at a post office or warehouse over a weekend and reducing shipping stress on plants. Plants arrive healthier and quicker when you select faster shipping such as priority shipping. Plants ship from Florida. Keep that in mind when deciding to buy and selecting shipping options.
 
Seed packets ship any day of the week and are commonly shipped in envelopes paid by stamp. There will be no tracking information for seed packets shipped in this way. Customers will be notified when seed packets are sent.
 
No refunds, exchanges, or returns. By purchasing this plant, you are accepting the risk of having plants mailed to you. We package plants very carefully. We can not be responsible for how the carrier handles them or transient through different temperatures. Our most common carriers are UPS and USPS. Any damaged packages, damaged plants, dead plants or irregular shipping patterns should be claimed through the UPS or USPS insurance claims system. All orders come with a standard insurance of up to $100.00. You will need to provide the following for an insurance claim: Receipt of your order that you can obtain through your order history or email. Pictures of the package upon arrival Pictures of the contents upon arrival
If you need any help filing a claim, please reach out to us.
 
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