ornamental plant for a nectar source or 'honey plant' and for aesthetics in gardens and native plant landscapes, and is planted on slopes to help control erosion. Buttonbush is a suitable shrub for butterfly gardens. San Joaquin Valley landmark tree The town of Buttonwillow, California was named for the buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). A lone buttonbush served as a landmark on an old trans-San Joaquin Valley trail, and was used by ancient Yokuts as a meeting place. It later became the site of settlers' stock rodeos. This buttonbush tree is listed as California Historical Landmark No. 492, and is now known as the "Buttonwillow Tree." References External links USDA Plants Profile: Cephalanthus occidentalis Missouriplants: Cephalanthus occidentalis var. occidentalis Jepson Flora Project: Cephalanthus occidentalis var. californicus occidentalis Flora of North America Medicinal plants of North America Garden plants of North America Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus