Buttonbush
is a wetland shrub common to most wetlands
of eastern and southern North America.
They produce stunning, fragrant white
flowers and dainty red fruit in summer.
Excellent food source for waterfowl.
Tree
Type(s):
Shrubs,
Wildlife Feeding
Family:
Rubiaceae
Specifications:
Mature
Height: 6 to 10
ft; Mature Spread:
6 to 10 ft; Growth Rate:
Fast
The
bark of the Buttonbush contains
cephalathin, a poison that can
induce vomiting, paralysis and
convulsions.
Native
Range:
Buttonbush
extends from southern Nova Scotia,
New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario
south through southern Florida
and west through the eastern half
of the Great Plains States.
Habitat:
Grows
along swamps, marshes, bogs, ditches,
and other riparian areas that
are inundated for at least part
of the year.
Uses:
Bark
was used as a laxative, for curing
skin, bronchial and venereal diseases.
