Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis L.) is a member of a large family (over 10,000
species) that includes coffee. It is a shrub or small tree with opposite leaves with small white
flowers in globose heads (See photograph above). Fruits form in the head and split into
indehiscent segments that are carried by water. It occurs on stream banks, ditches, and wet
woods throughout Texas and grows well in wet, poorly drained soils..
The leaves are poisonous to animals and humans but its aromatic flowers produce nectar
for bees and butterflies. Ducks and other waterfowl eat the seeds and nest in its branches. .
Sources:
Diggs, G. M., B. L. Lipscomb, & R. J. O’Kennon. 1999. Shinners & Mahler’s
Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute of Texas. Fort Worth,
Texas.
Wrede, J. 2010. Trees, Shrubs, and Vines of the Texas Hill Country. Texas A&M
University Press. College Station, Texas.
30