Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Family: Rubiaceae
Madder Family
Habit: Deciduous
shrub, 1-3 m tall.
Leaves: Opposite
or whorled and entire. Broad leaves are ovoid to elliptic,
with pointed ends. Leaves 7-15 cm long, 3-10 cm broad.
Flowers/fruit:
Flowers are small white tubes, formed on globose heads
about 3 cm in diameter. Clusters appear as balls or
'buttons' following summer flowering period.
Habitat: Perimeter
of lakes, ponds, freshwater marshes, forested wetlands,
along streams throughout NC, but less frequent in the
mountains.
Field characteristics:
Twigs have raised elongated lenticels. A brown triangular
membrane is present between petioles. Spherical 'buttons'
persist through winter. Early settlers were said to
have used the buttons in clothing. When flowering, butterflies
are strongly attracted.
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