Buttonbush is a native North American bush that thrives in moist (even flood prone) areas, particularly along woodland edges, creeks, ponds and even with-in temporary ponds. Where there is a lot of humus in the soil, it would not be surprising to find a Buttonbush thriving. 

In the garden, this is an excellent shrub to grow near a gutter spout or a rain barrel’s overflow. Buttonbush will also tolerate soils with average moisture and loam. 

A bush with a naturally rounded habit, Buttonbush delivers beautiful, ball or button-like flowers that are quite fragrant and attractive in the late spring. The scent is a calling card for our typically large-winged pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as moths. 

Lesser thought of but still desirable to draw and support, bats are also fond of the scent of the Buttonbush and it’s nectar. Here in the western Ny, the bat populations are struggling and on the farm some thought has been given to being a small aid towards population recovery. Bat counts here have grown noticeably since the re-introduction of Buttonbush and Evening Primrose, as well as increase in Honeysuckle. 

Following pollination, Buttonbush flowers transform into hard fruits that contain small nuts. These often decoratively remain on the bush well into the winter, and are a food source for songbirds and ducks alike.

Care:

Buttonbush is a low care shrub after it is established. Buttonbush will do well with at least a few hours of direct sunlight, and tolerates all but dry conditions. If your soil is low on humus, add some leaf mulch prior to planting, and apply 1-3 inches of leaves to the top of the soil around the bush each autumn.

Protect young shrubs form rabbits and deer in areas where this is necessary by placing a guard, fencing or a cage around the plant.

Photo Credit:
Rufino Osorio
Famartin