VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Cephalanthus occidentalis | Buttonbush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Many species of waterfowl and shorebirds eat buttonbush seeds [18,28].
White-tailed deer use of buttonbush browse varies from light in
Pennsyvania [32] to heavy in Nova Scotia [23].  Bees use buttonbush to
produce honey [31].


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Buttonbush is important to wood ducks for brood rearing and hiding [19].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
The bark of buttonbush was traditionally used for making laxatives, and
for curing skin, bronchial, and venereal diseases [28].  Caution must be
used, however, because the bark contains cephalathin, a poison that can
induce vomitting, paralysis, and convulsions.
 


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Much of buttonbush's natural habitat in California is being destroyed by
agriculture and water development projects; buttonbush is not a good
colonizer of manmade waterways [13].  Buttonbush is moderately
susceptible to herbicides; if shrubs become too thick, they can be
reduced by cutting in the fall during low water [4,18].

Related categories for Species: Cephalanthus occidentalis | Buttonbush