Button Bush Live Stakes

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Button Bush 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 Button Bush 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 robust root systems that work to stabilize even the most impossible of wet soil conditions. When planted as a live stake cutting, this shrub will quickly get to work providing necessary structure to the soil.

Plant Details - Button Bush 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 as it boasts 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 - Button Bush 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 waterflow. 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 this shrub are known as riparian zones, which are sections of a landscape that transition from land to water that require 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.

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Bare Root Plants
Bloom season icon

Bloom Season

Spring

Bloom/Foliage Color icon

Bloom/Foliage Color

White

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Height at Maturity

Under 25 Feet

Care icon

Care

Button Bush Live Stakes thrive in moist, well-drained soils and prefer wetland conditions. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and promote dense growth. Fertilize in early spring to encourage robust development.

Plant Reproduction icon

Plant Reproduction

Button Bush Live Stakes spread by producing dense, rounded clusters of stems.

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.

We carefully package every plant to retain superior moisture during transit. Once prepared, orders ship the same day through UPS or USPS, with typical delivery in 2–4 days.

Returns are not accepted, but plants are reshipped if extended warranty insurance was purchased at checkout. Otherwise, all plants include a standard 5-day warranty after delivery.

Grows in tight, rounded groupings
Thrives in various soil and moisture conditions
White spherical flowers draw pollinators
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Caring Tips

How do I care for my Button Bush Live Stakes?

Each box contains detailed care instructions and information about your product. But here's the basics.

Care Tips

Button Bush Live Stakes thrive in moist, well-drained soils and prefer wetland conditions. Regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Prune occasionally to maintain shape and promote dense growth. Fertilize in early spring to encourage robust development.

Light Requirements

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.

Hardy Planting Zones

5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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K
Kevin Karpowicz
How to tell?

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?

C
Cadence Dixon
The cutest plants ever

I’m so proud of these!

We spotted your 5-star review. Wow! Thank you so much for trusting us, and we can’t wait to help you again in the future.

C
Cindy Hawk
Button Bush Live Stakes

The shipping was fast and the packaging was great.

N
Natalie Holligsworth
Button Bush Live Stakes

this is a great product

C
Cindy Hawk
Button Bush Live Stakes

These came packaged well. Was surprised to see planting instructions were included. very pleased