(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. --------------------------- 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. ---------------------------- GROWING INSTRUCTIONS For best results, sow seeds outdoors in early Spring. If starting indoors.. SEED PRETREATMENT: Soak seed for 24 hours in warm tap water. STRATIFICATION: No stratification period is required SEEDING: Sow soaked seeds 1/4” deep. Alternating soil temperatures during the day (30°C) and night (20°C) aids germination. Water evenly and regularly. GERMINATION: When all previously mentioned requirements are fulfilled, germination generally occurs in 30-60 days. ----------------------------- 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.
