Common Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)

Buttonbush is a shrub which is frequently found in wetlands, and can tolerate flooding. The spherical flower-heads contain many individual insect-pollinated flowers which are highly fragrant, loaded with nectar, and are ideal locations to look for bumblebees and butterflies.

Lore has it that Native Americans and pioneers used the bitter tannic qualities of the bark and roots in washes for inflammation. Taken internally, buttonbush tea was said to promote sweating, relieve coughs and kidney stones, and check menstrual flow. The plant's South American relative chinchona is the source of quinine, used in the treatment of malaria.

Reference: The Book of Swamp and Bog, by John Eastman, Stackpole Books, 1995.

Today's photo was taken earlier this month in a wetland along Sandy Creek, Venango County, by WPC member John Karian.

Play WPC's First Interactive Game - How Well Do You Know Your Western Pennsylvania Birds?

E-mail Today's WPC Daily to a Friend!

Sign Up for WPC Daily