Plant profile

Buttonbush

Genus Cephalanthus

Buttonbush is a wetland shrub known for its round, pincushion-like flower clusters that draw in many pollinators. It’s a great choice for rain gardens, pond edges, and any spot that stays consistently moist.

Plant Type

Aquatic & wetland plants > Buttonbush

Aliases

Buttonbush

Native Range

Native to parts of North America, including regions around the Great Lakes.

Bloom window

Summer

Overview Summary Impact Recognition Location Requirements Glossary Get Involved

OVERVIEW

About This Plant

Buttonbush (genus Cephalanthus) is an essential native shrub for wet and moist areas, serving as a functional anchor plant that provides structure and height in marginal habitats like rain gardens and pond edges. Its ability to thrive in consistently damp conditions makes it a key resource where other pollinator plants often struggle.

The plant’s primary ecological value comes from its striking, pincushion-like flower clusters that bloom profusely during the summer. These highly accessible blooms offer a significant and reliable nectar source, extending the foraging season into late summer for a wide variety of native pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

When planting buttonbush, ensure it has sun to part sun and soil that stays moist to wet. Avoid using pesticides, especially when the plant is flowering, to ensure visiting local insects can forage safely.

Best role for pollinators

Rain gardens, pond edges, wet spots, and pollinator-friendly plantings where soil stays moist.

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus spp.) — https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/159112223 Photo: (c) Sean Patton, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC) | CC-BY-NC | iNaturalist

FAST FACTS

Quick Details

Essential stats and requirements for quick reference.

Category	Details
Also known as	Buttonbush
Bloom window	Summer
Typical height	Medium to tall shrub (varies by species and site)
Pollinators supported	Bees, Butterflies, Flies, Beetles
Light & moisture	Sun to part sun; consistently moist to wet soil
Best roles for pollinators	Rain gardens, pond edges, wet spots, and pollinator-friendly plantings where soil stays moist.

SUMMARY

If You Remember Three Things

A quick scan of what they do, what they need, and the best first step.

What they do

Buttonbush adds long-lasting summer blooms and supports a wide mix of visiting pollinators in wet areas.

What they need

Moist to wet soil and a site that doesn’t bake dry; sun to part sun is ideal.

One best action

Place it where water naturally collects—like a rain garden or low spot—so it can stay evenly moist.

IMPACT

Why Plant This?

Wet places can be hard to plant, but they’re valuable opportunities for habitat. Buttonbush turns soggy ground into a feature, with bold summer blooms that attract a mix of pollinators and add structure to rain gardens and shoreline plantings.

The blooms look like little fireworks—each round “button” is made of many tiny flowers opening together.

Key Impacts

What it Supports

Provides summer flowers that are easy for many insects to find and use
Fits naturally into rain gardens and wet edges where runoff can be slowed and soaked in
Adds structure and shelter in habitat-style plantings

RECOGNITION

Identification Guide

Look for a shrub that loves wet ground and makes unmistakable round flower clusters in summer.

Leaves

Simple leaves on woody stems; overall look is a leafy, rounded shrub.

Flowers

Distinct round, pincushion-like clusters made of many tiny tubular flowers.

Fruits

After flowering, the round clusters can persist and add texture as they mature.

Gallery image

LOCATION

Where It Grows

Native environments and the best spots to place it in your landscape.

Habitats

Wetlands
Pond and lake edges
Streambanks
Marshy lowlands
Rain-garden-style depressions

Where it is often used

Rain gardens
Pond and stream edges
Low spots that stay damp
Naturalized wetland borders
Pollinator gardens with consistently moist soil

SEASONALITY

When It Blooms

Notes on bloom windows and how this plant helps pollinators across the seasons.

Bloom window

Buttonbush typically blooms in summer, offering a helpful bridge when spring flowers are fading and fall flowers haven’t peaked yet.

Bloom Season Role: Mid-to-late season nectar stop

Seasonal benefits

Adds noticeable blooms during warm months
Supports a variety of pollinators during active foraging season

REQUIREMENTS

What It Needs

The right mix of sun, soil, and space for healthy growth.

Sun exposure

Full sun to part sun.

Soil type

Tolerates a range of soils as long as they stay moist; does best in wet or periodically flooded ground.

Moisture needs

Keep consistently moist, especially while establishing; it’s well-suited to naturally wet sites.

Planting method

Plant where water collects or where downspouts/rain-garden inflows can be directed (without causing erosion). Give it room to mature as a shrub.

Mulching tips

Use a light mulch layer to reduce weeds and hold moisture, but keep mulch pulled back from the base of stems.

GARDENING GUIDE

How to Grow It

Simple steps to plant, prune, and maintain healthy trees without pesticides.

Planting tips

Choose a spot that stays moist or wet (rain garden, low area, pond edge).
Dig a hole about as deep as the root ball and a bit wider.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill, press gently, and water thoroughly.
Mulch lightly, keeping mulch a hand’s width away from the stems.

Seasonal care

Water during dry spells, especially in the first year, if the site can dry out.
Weed around the base so young plants aren’t crowded.
Prune lightly if needed to shape or remove dead stems; avoid heavy pruning during peak bloom.
Leave some natural structure through the seasons when possible, then tidy up as needed in early spring.