Common Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
- Native to:
- Belize, Canada, Cuba, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © hughnorth (iNaturalist #7554116)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rubiaceae
- Genus:
- Cephalanthus
- Species:
- Cephalanthus occidentalis
- USDA Symbol:
- CEOC2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★★☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, waterfowl, songbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire or cutting. Often used in wetland restoration post-disturbance.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and along water bodies
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cuttings were cut to 4 to 6" lengths with at least 2 nodes, having an angled cut on the bottom and a straight cut on the top and leaves were trimmed to approximately 50%. The bottom of the cuttings were dipped in Hormodin 1 (0.1% IBA) powder and stuck in 2" cells filled with high porosity peat-based medium.
Establishment: Cuttings are preferred for higher germination rates. Seeds can also be used for propagation, but no germination rates are given for seeds. No temperature information is provided in the protocols. The protocols also suggest that no pre-treatment is required for fresh seeds.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).