DESCRIPTION
button bush
Cephalanthus occidentalis Crimson Comets
This outstanding selection is a pollinator magnet that is also great landscape eye candy featuring fragrant, white satellite blooms in late spring that change in attractive, round, red fruit loaded with seeds native songbirds love. Crimson Comet is a must have for any pollinator landscape!
previously called Red Moon Rising
Cephalanthus occidentalis 'SMCBM'
Benefits
- Superb nectar provider for native pollinators
- Native birds love the seed from it fruit
- Outstanding provider of nesting and cover
- Adapts to many soil types, except dry ones
- Thrives in bogs and very wet conditions
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Swamps and streamsides, even in shallow water; Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to southern Quebec and eastern Minnesota, along the Mississippi to Texas, Mexico and Florida.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
While hummingbirds visit buttonbush for nectar, they also visit for the protein. Hummers need nectar for energy but they also need protein to build muscles. They get protein by eating insects. The tongue of a hummingbird has grooves on the side, which help them catch insects in the air.
GROWING TIPS
Easy to grow in moist, organically rich soils in full sun to part shade. Grows well in wet soil, including seasonal flood conditions and shallow standing water. Adapts to a wide range of soils except for dry ones. Pruning is usually not necessary but may be done in early spring to shape. If plants ever need to be revitalized, they may be cut back near the ground in early spring.
Mature Size: 6-10ft. Tall x 6-10ft. Wide
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
VIDEO
Coming Soon!