Common Buttonbush

Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is a woody shrub that can be found above water or in water up to 4 feet deep. It has shiny dark-green spear- or egg-shaped pointed leaves. Flowers of buttonbush are easily identified by their greenish-white tube flowers in dense ball-shaped clusters about 1 inch in diameter. The mature seed heads are brown, approximately ¾-inch in diameter and consist of loose clusters of seeds.

Buttonbush growing near water with dark green leaves and spherical clusters of pale flowers.

Management Options

Mechanical Options

Buttonbush can be cut and removed from the pond.

Information on Mechanical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

Biological Options

There are no biological control options for common buttonbush.

Chemical Options

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating common buttonbush include: Glyphosate (G) and Imazapyr (G). E = excellent, G = good.

Information on Chemical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation

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