Have you noticed any round, white flowers blooming along the West Fork?
In mid to late summer, buttonbush blooms distinct creamy white ball-shaped flowers. Even into late fall and winter, these seed balls can still be easily recognized.
Buttonbush is a common shrub found in wet areas near streams and in wetlands.
Numerous types of wildlife rely on buttonbush: Ducks and other water birds consume their seeds. The fragrant flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and moths. Wood ducks use the shrub limbs for nesting.
Not only is Buttonbush great for wildlife, but it also helps preserve water quality by stabilizing stream banks.
Buttonbush is also a great shrub to plant in your rain garden.
By Jessica Bryzek
Guardians of the West Fork Watershed 