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Description
Cephalanthus, also known as Buttonbush, is a beautiful, deciduous shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to North America and grows in wetlands, swamps, and along streams and rivers. The plant is named after its unique flower heads that resemble buttons. The flowers bloom in the summer and are a beautiful shade of white or cream. Cephalanthus is a great addition to any garden and can attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Cephalanthus |
Appearance
Cephalanthus can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped. They can grow up to 6 inches long and 3 inches wide. The flowers are clustered together in spherical inflorescences that can grow up to 2 inches in diameter. The flower heads are made up of many small, tubular flowers that have a sweet fragrance. The fruit is a small, round, and woody capsule that contains many seeds.
Care Guide
Cephalanthus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to take care of. Here are some tips for caring for Cephalanthus:- Water: Cephalanthus thrives in moist soil. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.- Fertilization: Cephalanthus does not require fertilizer, but you can give it a light dose of a balanced fertilizer in the spring.- Soil: Cephalanthus prefers moist, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If your soil is not well-drained, consider adding organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: Cephalanthus prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but it will not flower as well.- Hardiness Zones: Cephalanthus is hardy in zones 5-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cephalanthus is relatively pest and disease-free. However, here are some common issues that you may encounter:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. Treat with a fungicide.- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
Habitat
Cephalanthus is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate flooding. Cephalanthus is a great plant to grow in wet areas of your garden or near a water feature.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cephalanthus grow in containers?
A: Yes, Cephalanthus can grow in containers, but it will require more frequent watering than if planted in the ground.
Q: Does Cephalanthus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Cephalanthus can attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Q: How often should I prune my Cephalanthus?
A: Cephalanthus does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in the early spring to shape it or remove any dead or damaged branches.
Q: Can Cephalanthus tolerate salt spray?
A: No, Cephalanthus is not tolerant of salt spray and should not be planted in coastal areas.
Related Plants
– Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)- Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood)- Clethra alnifolia (Sweet Pepperbush)- Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood)
References
– Missouri Botanical Garden: Cephalanthus occidentalis- North Carolina State Extension: Cephalanthus occidentalis- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Cephalanthus occidentalis
