Buttonbush

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Cephalanthus occidentalis
BUTTONBUSH

Rubiaceae
E. & S. North America

Location: map coordinates Z-14 (southeast of baseball field, west of DSU rear entrance gate), N 39°11'1'' W 75°32'43''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • deciduous shrub (or small tree)
  • etymology: Cephalanthus is Greek for head flower; occidentalis for western
  • leaves opposite, or occasionally in whorls of 3
  • flowers small, white; clustered in dangling round inflorescences (heads)
  • fruit round, brownish; resembles “buttonwood”/sycamore (Platanus) fruit; common name “buttonbush” probably from buttonwood-like fruits
  • native habitat swamps, streamsides
  • family Rubiaceae, the madder family, is mostly tropical

Native species, State Rank S5 (very common in Delaware)


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