Buttonbush vs American Bladdernut

Buttonbush is a moisture loving shrub that provides year round interest.

It has round, fragrant flowers resembling small buttons or pincushions. The flowers transform into small reddish-brown fruit that persists into winter while the leaves take on shades of red in fall.

Providing essential food to bees, butterflies, and other insects, this shrub is versatile. Try it in your next shrub border.

American Bladdernut is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to eastern North America. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. The small, drooping, white flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters. They appear in mid to late spring, attracting various pollinators. Well suited as an understory plant as it prefers shady and partial sun location with moist soils.

The blossoms mature into papery seed capsules and have been described as miniature Japanese lanterns. They are commonly used in dried flower arrangements. The seeds found within the pods are edible, and have a taste similar to pistachios. They can be eaten raw, used in baking or made into a sweet cooking oil.

Care should be taken when planting American Bladdernut, as it can spread quickly. It is prone to suckering and will self-seed. Plant the right tree in the right place.

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