Buttonbush is a deciduous, perennial shrub in the madder family (Rubiaceae) native to eastern and southern North America, Central America and Cuba and is found in all areas of North Carolina. The species epithet is Latin for “western” in contrast with an Asian species that was described as Cephalanthus orientalis (the eastern buttonbush), now known as Nauclea orientalis.
Buttonbush needs consistently moist to wet, rich soils in full to partial sun. It does well in swamps, streambanks, riverbanks, lakes and in standing water up to 3 feet. It is adaptable to various soil types, except for dry ones, and is tolerant of heat and soil compaction. Flowering is poor in the shade or in dry soils. It is multi-stemmed with a rounded to irregular crown and needs little pruning.
It can grow as a tree up to 20 feet, but buttonbush is usually a small shrub up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. In June to September, small, fragrant, white, tubular flowers occur in round clusters that have protruding styles, giving them a pincushion-like appearance. The fruits are reddish-brown and persist into winter. Buttonbush has exceptional wildlife benefits, attracting many types of pollinators, waterfowl, songbirds and mammals. It is moderately resistant to browsing by deer. 
 
Information is from NC State Extenion