Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Rubiaceae
Description
This plant is an upright, manybranched shrub or small tree, usually about 10 feet tall but ranging from 4 to 50 feet. Leaves are lance-shaped, up to 6 inches long and are attached two to four at each node.
The unique flowers are arranged spherically, forming white balls about 1 inch in diameter. They are soon replaced by dark-brown fruiting bodies that persist for several months. In the winter, this bush is reduced to branches tipped by the dark brown balls.
Habitat
Buttonbush is found in swamps, moist low-lying or irrigated areas and margins of streams throughout the state.
Toxic Agent
The toxic agent has not been definitely established. However, early work from Europe has suggested a glycoside principle may be involved. This bush is very unpalatable and consumption and poisoning are unlikely. Many overgrazed pastures will have untouched buttonbush along streams. Cattle are thought to be the only species affected.
Signs of Livestock Ingestion
Signs of poisoning are not well documented but may include: Vomiting; Paralysis; Muscle spasms.
Management Strategies
The plant is not palatable and, therefore, good grazing management should prevent any problems. Severe starvation conditions must be present for cattle to consume buttonbush.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: White
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Toxic Plants of Texas (B-6105)
Collection: Toxics
