Buttonbush is a native shrub found growing throughout most of Oklahoma bordering streams and lakes, except in the panhandle. It is a medium to large shrub with a course, open-rounded habit from 5 to 12 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. Leaves are dark, glossy green and lack significant fall color. Clusters of white, fragrant flowers bloom June to July and look like a pincushion. Flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators and is considered a good honey plant. Water birds consume the seed. The round, ball-like fruit structure persists on the plant. 

Plants tolerate wet, swampy soils. It is tolerant of heat and soil compaction but does not like very dry soil; it is a great selection for the rain garden, woodland garden, pollinator garden, and native garden. Dwarf cultivars include Sugar Shack® (3-4’ high with red fruit), ‘Bailoptics’ Fiber Optics® (5-6’ high, compact); ‘Sputnik’ is an older variety found in a native stand in Oklahoma.

Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, wet, wide variety except dry
Hardiness: USDA Zones 5-9