(Cephalanthus occidentalis)
The Madder Family (Rubiaceae)
Shrub or small tree with opposite or whorled, deciduous leaves and smooth gray to brown bark that becomes furrowed as it ages.
Habitat:
Wet sites, often along the edge of ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
Interesting Facts:
Butterfly magnet in mid-summer! Provides nesting sites for many wading birds. Host plant for a number of Lepidoptera including the Promethea Moth.
Fruit:
Round cluster of .25” dark brown nutlets, mature late summer to fall.
Flower:
Small, white tubular flowers occur in a dense 1” round cluster at the end of a slender 1 - 2” stalk, appear mid-summer.
Wildlife value:
Nutlets are eaten by many water birds. Flowers provide nectar for native bees, European honey bees, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds.
Flowers
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 3.00-7.00 inches
Tree height: 6.00-18.00 feet
PDF link:
Where to find Buttonbush on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
WET - Wetland Trail 10.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.