Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis · Rubiaceae (Madder or Coffee family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate with an acuminate tip
Margin
Entire (smooth margins)
Arrangement
Opposite or whorled in groups of three
Venation
Pinnate venation with a prominent midrib and distinct lateral veins curving upward
Key Features
Distinctive spherical flower/fruit heads, opposite or whorled leaf arrangement, entire leaf margins, and wetland habitat preference
Description
Cephalanthus occidentalis is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub growing up to 10 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its glossy green foliage, opposite or whorled leaves, and distinct spherical, ball-like flower heads that resemble pincushions, followed by hard spherical fruit clusters.
Habitat
Wetlands, swamps, marshes, pond margins, and wet floodplains; prefers saturated soils and full sun to partial shade
Native Range
Native to eastern and southern North America, extending from New Brunswick south to Florida and west to Texas and California, also parts of Mexico