The following article has been submitted by our retail manager – Heidi Gervais.

Buttonbush – Cephalanthus occidentalis

With the current interest in rain gardening, I decided to mention a shrub that thrives in those conditions.

Buttonbush is native from New Brunswick to California and south. Normally, in its natural environment, you would find it growing in wet areas or sometimes actually in water. It lends itself nicely to the raingarden situation for just this reason.

Buttonbush has a loose, rounded growth habit and bright green glossy leaves. It can grow 3′ tall all the way up to 10′ under perfect conditions. In August, it blooms — creamy white globes of flower clusters. The flowers will also attract butterflies.