Buttonbush

Also known as buttonball, button willow, riverbush.

Semi-aquatic native shrub  is one of the latest to leaf out in spring. It has distinctive balls, or buttons, about the size of a gumball, of white to cream colored flowers that bloom in June. The flowers are fragrant, last about 1 month, and are followed by seedheads that turn red and eventually dark brown.  The seedheads last and provide winter interest.  Grows 5’-12’, tall, 4’-8’ wide. Deer-resistant.

Grows in full sun to partial sun. Grows in wet soils, even flooded conditions and standing water.

Both nectar and pollen are important. Special value to honeybees, and native bees including bumblebees. Also attracts butterflies, insects, moths including Titan Sphinx, Hydrangea sphinx.  Fruits are eaten by waterfowl, and birds. Native to eastern US and Canada, and Mexico. Scattered populations in southwestern US.

size: 1 year, 18-24″ bare root seedlings

$15 for 5