Skip to main content
← Plants for Bees
Buttonbush
Buttonbush botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis
In the United States: Native · also called buttonbush, common buttonbush, honey bells

Honeybees forage on buttonbush for its abundant nectar and pollen, making it a significant summer resource. Blooms peak in July within the June-August window, supporting colonies during potential nectar dearths. The shrub thrives in wet soils and can sucker to form colonies, requiring occasional management in beekeeping plantings.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) June–September
Hardiness zones5-11
TypePerennial
Sunpartial

Reported nearby

No reports nearby in the last 14 days.

Sign in to report this plant blooming nearby.

BeeAI — Ask the old beekeeper
Hey there, honey. Ask me anything about your bees.