Tree Description
A shrub or small tree to 18 feet tall, with a tapering trunk up to 12″ in diameter, usually swollen at the base. The upright branches form an irregular, rounded crown.
Range / Site Description
Occurs throughout Texas, on moist, rich soils, wetlands, or other frequently flooded sites.
Leaf
Simple, opposite on the twig or in whorls of three, 3″ to 8″ long and 1″ to 3″ wide, oval or elliptical, pointed, rounded at the base, with a smooth margin. Leaves are thin, dark green above and lighter beneath, with a prominent central midrib.
Flower & Fruit
Spherical clusters of round, creamy white or yellow flowers, about 1″ in diameter appear in summer on stalks 1″ to 3″ long. The tiny individual flowers in the head are fragrant and nectar-bearing.
A mass of red-brown nutlets forming a spherical head about 0.75″ in diameter.
Interesting Facts
The species name “occidentalis” means “western” and usually refers to the western hemisphere. Conversely, the name “orientalis” means “eastern.”
Species Summary
| Scientific Name: | Cephalanthus occidentalis |
| Secondary Names: | |
| Tree Type: | Deciduous |
| Dimensions: | Height: 18 feet Trunk Diameter: 12 inches |
| Leaf Structure: | Simple, opposite |
| Leaf Size: | 3″ to 8″ long and 1″ to 3″ wide |
| Leaf Shape: | Oval or elliptical, pointed, rounded at the base |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Additional Information: | iNaturalist – Buttonbush |
Source: Texas A&M Forest Service Trees of Texas – Buttonbush