Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis
 
Buttonbush has one of the most unique flowers of any shrub, and butterflies think so too. Button bush is frequented by skippers, monarchs, and virtually any butterflies that happen to be passing by. As one of the few shrubs that blooms in midsummer, and one that can tolerate shade, wet conditions, and even occasional flooding – you’d be hard pressed to find a more valuable or versatile native shrub.
 
The name is from the button like seed heads that develop after the plant has finished blooming. These “buttons” persist into winter, turning a deep crimson providing winter interest to your landscape. The shrub also exhibits remarkable fall colour, with deep reds and yellows. Given the showy blooms, fall colour, red “buttons”, and glossy green leaves – button bush is truly a 4-season shrub.
 
Height - 12ft
Light - Full Sun to Partial 
Soil Moisture - Wet, Medium-Wet
Bloom Colour - White
Bloom Time - June, July, August
Invites - Bee’s, Butterflies, Birds
Host Plant for - Hydragea Sphinx Moth
Companion Plant Idea’s - Cardinal Flower, Swamp Milkweed, Blue Flag Iris, Boneset, Blue Lobelia, Red Osier Dogwood