Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Mexican Buttonbush

Cephalanthus salicifolius

Other common name(s):

Willow Leaf Buttonbush

Family:

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

8
to
18
ft.

Spread

4
to
10
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Loam, Clay, Poor Drainage, Moist

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Nectar, Pollen, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

Low maintenance and heat tolerant. Rare in the wild, but can be found in plant nurseries. Native habitat: riparian zones, swamps, and pond margins. Prune in early spring; can be cut down to ground level. Propagation: semi-hardwood cuttings.

Comments

Blooms March-July. Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree. Unlike the leaves of the Common Buttonbush, Mexican Buttonbush leaves are shorter, narrow and lance-shaped. Flowers are clustered in a dense round head, 1 inch or less in diameter. Calyxes are densely hairy on the outer surfaces. The fruit is a rounded ball of nutlets.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Semi-harwood Cutting Use a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors to make a clean cut below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half to two-thirds of the cutting to reduce moisture loss. Dip the cut end of the mexican buttonbush cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. This step is crucial to ensure successful propagation. Fill a pot with a well-draining propagation mix, such as a combination of sand and perlite. Insert the cut end of the mexican buttonbush cutting into the soil about 2-3 inches deep. Gently firm the soil around the cutting. Place the pot in a warm, humid location with indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged by misting it regularly. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation dome can help maintain humidity. Once the mexican buttonbush cuttings have developed roots and new growth is visible, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by reducing humidity and increasing light exposure. Transplant the rooted cuttings into individual pots with rich, well-draining soil. Regular watering and fertilization with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will help promote healthy growth. Monitor for pests and diseases, providing appropriate treatment as needed. Over time, as the plants establish, transition them to their permanent outdoor location in partial to full sun and provide ongoing care suited to mexican buttonbush's specific needs. Select healthy, semi-hardwood cuttings from mexican buttonbush, approximately 6-8 inches in length. Ensure the cuttings have at least two to three nodes. The optimal propagation period is late spring to early summer. Propagation by cuttings during this time ensures ideal temperatures and light conditions. Warmer soils aid in root development, while increased daylight promotes robust growth. These conditions maximize success rates and plant vitality according to horticultural guidelines. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Cephalanthus_salicifolius.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason