Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
Drawn from live specimen found in Maricopa Co., Arizona.
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RANGE: This shrub is often a denizen of swampy woods edges and so it is
surprising to find it growing along washes or riparian habitats in the Sonoran
Desert. For sure, its presence indicates a pretty good water supply that may be
below the surface. It can be found in wetter canyons of the
Superstition Mountains and near Mesquite Wash.
FLOWERS: Many small white flowers arranged into a spherical ball or
button. Highly attractive to butterflies and other insects.
SHRUB: A medium sized shrub.
LEAVES: Leaves are broadly elyptical, with smooth margins and opposite
on the stems.
UNARMED. No thorns or spines.
FRUIT: Small, dry capsules arranged into a sphere.
Each flower has five teeth in the rim of the tube and a long excerted style and stigma. This image is part of the Wikimedia Commons project. Official License.