Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District
Buttonbush
(Common Buttonbush)
Cephalanthus occidentalis
[C-value
5]
Madder family (Rubiaceae)
Blooms July -
mid-August
The native Buttonbush is uncommon in our area. It prefers full or partial sun and wet to moist fertile soil. Habitats include openings in floodplain forests, shrubby swamps, marshes, bogs, seeps and streambanks. This semi-aquatic shrub can withstand flooded conditions for extended time. It is usually 3-8' tall with a bushy appearance. The lower branches become woody and brown, while new growth is green or red. The leaves are usually opposite, up to 6" long and 2½" across, untoothed, with a glossy upper surface. From 1-3 spherical flowerheads occur on a flowering stalk. Each mature flowerhead is about 1" across and covered all around with small white or cream flowers. White styles appear to shoot out from each flower around the flowerhead globe giving it a charming starburst appearance.
Buttonbush at Maramech Forest Preserve July 4, 2017
Buttonbush with immature flowerheads at Maramech Forest Preserve July 4, 2017
Buttonbush foliage at Maramech Forest Preserve July 4, 2017
Buttonbush at Maramech Forest Preserve September 27, 2013
Buttonbush fall seedheads at Baker Woods Forest Preserve October 7, 2013
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