There’s Nothing Common about the Common Buttonbush

I’ve been enamored with the Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) since I first noticed it growing wild along the shoreline of Lake Norfork. Even when I knew nothing about this plant, it’s fragrant pom-pom flowers fascinated me. Seriously, I love any plant that looks Dr. Seuss-inspired.

Now that I understand its importance to wildlife, I’m one of its biggest cheerleaders.

One thing that makes the buttonbush unique is its love of water. This particular plant thrives in marshes, bogs, alo...