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Cephalanthus occidentalis, or Button Bush,
Cephalanthus occidentalis, or Button Bush, is one of my favorite Kentucky native plants. Because this plant is poisonous, care must be taken when growing in places children may frequent. Although there are no modern day medicinal or culinary uses for Button Bush, Native Americans were thought to have used the bark and roots to treat several illnesses.
Button Bush is a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet in height. The most notable feature of the Button Bush is the spherical formation of the flowers. The Button Bush grows well in areas saturated with water, and it can survive and even thrive with its roots partially covered by water. My Button Bush is growing in my front flowerbed and it is situated under a drippy gutter to keep it moist. The Button Bush lives in most of the Unites States and Mexico, and even as far North as Canada.
Button Bush can grow in a range of sun exposures, from light shade to full sun. From experience, I know it grows extremely well in places where it can get full morning sun and afternoon shade.
This deciduous shrub (shrub that sheds its leaves in winter) can grow from 3 feet to 15 feet tall and has a spread of 4 to 8 feet.
Excellent specimens of the Button Bush can be found at the Lexington Arboretum or at the Salato Wildlife Refuge in Frankfort.
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