Honey-balls, Globe-flowers
Cephalanthus occidentalis L.
Whole plant
Family : Rubiaceae
Longevity : Perennial
Origin : Native
Season : Warm
Common Buttonbush is found in swamps and near ponds and streams of the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains. It is a shrub or small tree growing from 3 to 7 feet in height. The leaves are 2 to 8 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. The flowers are white and form a globe-like head. Common Buttonbush blooms from June to September and is a source of pollen for bees. The fruit is a round cluster of reddish-brown nutlets and is eaten by water birds, but is recorded to be toxic to other animals. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, paralysis, and muscle spasms. Severe starvation conditions must occur in order for cattle to eat buttonbush.
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