Button Bush: A Native Shrub That Attracts Bees, Butterflies, and Hummingbirds
The Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is one of the best pollinator shrubs you can grow if you want to bring life and color to your yard. In summer, it opens into clusters of fragrant, globe-shaped white flowers that look like tiny pincushions. Each bloom buzzes with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a living magnet for pollinators. Thrives along ponds, streams, and rain gardens, this wildlife-friendly native plant adds a natural charm to any landscape while nourishing the local ecosystem.
Environmental Benefits of the Buttonbush
More than just a pretty face, the Button Bush plays a vital role in wetland restoration and erosion control. This resilient North American shrub thrives in heavy clay and periodically flooded soils where other plants struggle. It naturally filters stormwater runoff, prevents soil loss, and supports biodiversity - making it ideal for sustainable landscaping and native garden designs. Its hardy, adaptable nature makes it a reliable choice for eco-conscious gardeners looking to combine beauty and function.
How to Grow and Care for Buttonbush
Plant your Buttonbush in full sun or partial shade, and keep the soil consistently moist. It thrives in wet conditions and grows vigorously near ponds, ditches, or low-lying areas. Once established, this shrub produces lush green foliage and long-lasting blooms from mid to late summer. Prune lightly in early spring to maintain a rounded form or encourage new growth. Whether planted as a specimen shrub or in a native habitat garden, this bush rewards you with unmatched pollinator activity, water purification benefits, and natural beauty season after season.
Customer Reviews
The Button Bush shrubs from TN Nursery are absolutely exceptional. Their structure, growth rate, and resilience make them a perfect choice for any landscaping project. My yard has **** looked more inviting.
I purchased the Button Bush because I wanted to attract more pollinators, and TN Nursery’s plants **** disappoint. The blossoms are vibrant, and the shrub has grown strong and healthy in no time.
The Button Bush I ordered came in superb condition. Within days of planting, it showed noticeable growth. The foliage is rich, and the blossoms are striking—TN Nursery truly delivers quality.
Adding the Button Bush from TN Nursery has transformed my backyard into a pollinator haven. Birds, butterflies, and bees flock to it, and the lush growth gives my garden a natural, serene atmosphere.
My experience with TN Nursery was fantastic. The Button Bush arrived on time, carefully packed, and already showing signs of vitality. It’s now growing vigorously and producing delightful blooms.
What is the button bush used for?
Buttonbush is mainly used as a decorative and wildlife-friendly shrub. Its round, white flower clusters attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it ideal for pollinator gardens. The plant also helps stabilize soil along ponds and wetlands, preventing erosion. Many birds use its dense branches for nesting and shelter. Additionally, it’s valued for adding texture and beauty to natural or water-edge landscapes.
Does Buttonbush like sun or shade?
Buttonbush grows best in full sun, where it produces the most flowers and dense foliage. It can also tolerate partial shade, though blooming may be reduced. This shrub thrives in wet or consistently moist soil, often near ponds or streams. Too much shade can make it leggy and less attractive. For healthy growth, plant buttonbush in a bright, open location with plenty of sunlight.
What is the growth rate of Buttonbush?
Buttonbush grows at a moderate to fairly rapid rate, typically gaining 1 to 2 feet each year in ideal conditions. Mature plants often reach 6 to 12 feet in height and width, forming a full, rounded shape.
Exposure
Button Bush thrives in full sun to part shade.
Height at Maturity
Over 10 Feet
Usage
Wetland
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
4-9
