Buttonbush Live Stakes | Cephalanthus occidentalis
If you’ve ever come across a shrub along a body of water with incredibly interesting, round, ‘spiky’ flower clusters, it was almost certainly hardy Buttonbush Live Stakes. Growing naturally all through North America, this native shrub has a distinct preference for the wettest landscapes.
Found along lakes, rivers, marshes, and swamps, this wetland shrub produces a robust root system that helps stabilize even the most challenging wet soil conditions. When planted as a live stake cutting, this shrub will quickly establish itself, providing the necessary structure to the soil.
Plant Details - Buttonbush Live Stakes
Family: Rubiaceae
Light Requirement: Full Sun - Partial Shade
Water Needs: High
Height: 6-12 ft.
Spread: 4-8 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate - Fast
Bloom Time: Late Spring - Summer
Flower Color: White
Wildlife Value: Provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, attracts vital pollinators with distinct honey scent
This shrub can grow quite tall in ideal conditions, creating a tree-like effect in the landscape. While its unique pincushion-shaped flower clusters are often the star of the show, the foliage on this plant is also eye-catching, boasting a glossy, shiny texture.
It can tolerate different levels of sun, but prefers to receive at least 6 hours a day. While it can handle some shade, this could reduce the amount of flower clusters produced in the spring and summer.
Landscape Uses and Maintenance - Buttonbush Live Stakes
With a tolerance and preference for high moisture, it is necessary to plant Button Bush Live Stakes in a spot that receives continuous water flow. This makes it ideal for rain gardens, along bodies of water, or any place in your landscape that struggles with waterlogging and flooding.
The spots that benefit most from Button Bush Live Stakes are known as riparian zones, which are sections of a landscape that transition from land to water, requiring reliable underground stabilization. When grown from live stakes, this shrub more effectively fulfills its role as a buffer plant for these riparian zones.
Noteworthy Characteristics of Button Bush Live Stakes
The globular, spiky-looking flower clusters on this shrub are completely unforgettable - you may detect their sweet honey fragrance before you even see them! Button Bush Live Stakes can be planted easily for any wet landscape project, beautifully fulfilling crucial ecological roles for decades to come.
Customer Reviews
How does one know when to expect growth from live stakes? After all they are just stick, no roots so when should growth occur. Or better, if growth doesn’t occur by x time in ground, it’s probably dead?
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The shipping was fast and the packaging was great.
this is a great product
These came packaged well. Was surprised to see planting instructions were included. very pleased
Where is the best place to plant a button bush?
The best place to plant a Buttonbush is in full sun to partial shade with moist or wet soil. It thrives near ponds, streams, or rain gardens. With the right conditions, it grows easily and produces beautiful, pollinator-friendly blooms.
How big does a buttonbush get?
Buttonbush typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall with a similar spread. It forms a rounded shape covered in unique, globe-shaped white flowers. With moisture and sunlight, it grows quickly and adds charm to any landscape.
Should I deadhead buttonbush?
Deadheading a Buttonbush isn’t necessary, but you can remove spent blooms for a tidier look. The seed heads are attractive and provide food for wildlife. Leaving them also adds winter interest to the garden.
Exposure
Button Bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and can handle wet conditions, making it suitable for rain gardens and water features. Ensure it receives at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
Height at Maturity
Under 25 Feet
Usage
Wetland
Shipped As
Bare-root
Ships
UPS
Planting Zones
4-9
How To Grow
How to Grow and Care for Live Tree Stakes
Live tree stakes are cuttings from dormant hardwood trees that can be planted directly into the soil to root and grow into mature trees—an excellent method for erosion control, streambank stabilization, and natural habitat creation. Common species used for live staking include willow, dogwood, and cottonwood, all known for their ability to root quickly in moist environments.
To plant live tree stakes, choose a site with moist, well-drained soil and good sun exposure. Stakes should be 2–3 feet long and about ½–1 inch thick, with healthy bark and no signs of disease. Insert each stake into the ground with the cut (bottom) end down, leaving only the top 2–3 inches exposed above the soil. At least two-thirds of the stake should be buried to ensure strong root development.
Water well after planting, especially in dry conditions, and keep the area weed-free while the stake establishes. No fertilizer is needed. With the right conditions and proper planting, live tree stakes will root and grow into vigorous, self-sustaining trees that support the land and local ecosystem.
