Button Bush, Common buttonbush, Button Willow, Honey Bells, Buttonbush

Cephalanthus occidentalis

Physical Characteristics

Cephalanthus occidentalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in August, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Nova Scotia to Florida, west to Minnesota and California

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Emetic Febrifuge Laxative Malaria Odontalgic Ophthalmic Tonic Button bush was often employed medicinally by native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a range of ailments[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. A tea made from the bark is astringent, emetic, febrifuge and tonic[61, 222]. A strong decoction has been used to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, stomach complaints, haemorrhages etc[257]. It has been used as a wash for eye inflammations[222]. A decoction of either the roots or the fruits have been used as a laxative to treat constipation[257] The leaves are astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic[61, 222]. A tea has been used to check menstrual flow and to treat fevers, kidney stones, pleurisy etc[222]. The plant has a folk reputation for relieving malaria[222]. The inner bark has been chewed in the treatment of toothaches[222].

Known Hazards

The leaves contain glucosides and can be toxic in large doses. Symptoms include vomiting, convulsions, chronic spasms and muscular paralysis[274].