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Cephalanthus Magical® Moonlight

A dwarf version of a popular native

Buttonbush is a very adaptive native plant in most parts of the U.S. It's not just a pretty native, it also offers numerous environmental benefits. In late spring, hundreds of tiny tubular flowers are packed into showy flower heads. Butterflies and other insects find the intensely sweetly fragrant flowers irresistible. Later in summer, the flower heads mature into golf ball sized, round fruits, each containing enough nut-like seeds for waterfowl and other birds to feast upon.  This new selection adapts to many soils except dry ones and is great for planting around ponds and in naturalized, wet areas.  It thrives in bogs and wet environments.

Who Am I?

  • Common Name:
    Magical® Moonlight button bush
  • Botanical Name:
    Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmamoli'
  • Type:
    Shrub
  • U.S. Native:
    YES

Cultural Details

TYPE

Shrub

U.S. NATIVE

YES
  • Light:
    Part Sun - prefers afternoon shade
  • Soil:
    Average garden soil, very adaptable
  • Moisture:
    Prefers moist, organic soils, but is also very adaptable to drier habitats
  • Hardiness Zone
    5-9
  • Size:
    4' tall by 4-5' wide
  • Spacing:
    3' x 3'
  • Bloom Time:
    June
  • Bloom Color:
    White
  • Fruit Time
    Fall
  • Fruit Color
    Green
  • Diseases & Pests:
    None known
  • Stem Count

    First year: 5

    Second year: 20 

    Third year: 30

    Fourth year: 30

    Fifth year: 30

    Sixth year: 30

What Makes Me Special?

This U.S. native provides a tremendous source of nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. Magical® Moonlight is a compact form, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces with larger than average fruits.

Landscape Use

Average to moist soils. Can take wet conditions.

Propagation

Cuttings

Who Am I?

  • Common Name:
    Magical® Moonlight button bush
  • Botanical Name:
    Cephalanthus occidentalis 'Kolmamoli'
  • Type:
    Shrub
  • U.S. Native:
    YES

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