Eastern Buttonbush Seeds
(Cephalanthus occidentalis) Deciduous. Zones 5-10.
Eastern Buttonbush, also known as Common Buttonbush or Honeyballs, is an unusual ornamental shrub native to wetlands and marsh conditions. It thrives in swamps and around ponds, lakes and streams. Buttonbush will bring a little bit of playfulness to your landscape!
With spreading, often crooked branches, this dense shrub reaches 6-12 feet and occasionally as much as 30 feet in height. Its striking features include glossy, dark green 3-4” leaves in pairs or threes; small clusters of white or pale pink flower heads that resemble pincushions; and button-like balls of fruit.
Blooms are long-lasting and spherical seed heads provide Winter interest. Gather seeds in late Summer to early Fall before the heads dry and fall apart.
Buttonbush provides food and habitat to waterbirds and shorebirds as well as butterflies, bees and other birds. It is an excellent shrub for wetland restoration and shoreline erosion control.
NOTE: The foliage of Eastern Buttonbush is poisonous to livestock.
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Cold Hardiness: Zones 5-10
Edible: No
Size: Shrub
Growth Rate: Medium
Nitrogen Fixer: Yes
Native Plant: Yes
Germination: 80-90%
Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Preference: Grows well in wet soil, adapts to wide range of soils except dry ones.
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GROWING INSTRUCTIONS
- Scarification: Soak Seeds in hot tap water, let stand in water for 24 hrs.
- Germination: No germination pre-treatment needed, sow immediately after Spring frost.
- Plant scarified seeds in pots or a nursery bed using standard potting soil. Surface sow with a light covering of soil, keep moist, tamp soil, and cover with some shade. Heat mats are NOT required & can hinder germination!
- Protect young tree seedlings from slugs, cutworms & rodents. Slugs especially can eat primary leaves as soon as they come up, so be vigilant!
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Available direct from Incredible Seeds, a Canadian Heirloom and Heritage Seed Company, offering only the best natural, non-GMO, open pollinated and untreated seeds, located in Mi'kma'ki / Nova Scotia.
