17 Feb 2026

Cute as a Button

Buttonbush

The saying may not come from this perennial shrub, but I can certainly see that it would apply to a Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) shrub. Even though this shrub may look a bit like a weed for some people, the round flowers may look like some science drawing of cells to me.


The flowers are just about one to one-and-a-half inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) in diameter, and they appear in clusters as you see in these photos here. Their color changes as they mature. They turn reddish-orange before turning black. This shrub attracts birds, butterflies, and other nectar-insects.


That is the story behind the shots. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, Buttonbush, FlowerHour, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Texas, and Wildflowers. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.

For Terri’s Flower Hour #18: Celebrating Lunar New Year.

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31 Responses

  1. nesfelicio
    | Reply

    They really look like cells under a microscope!
    Great macro shots, Egidio.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you, Nes. I can hardly wait for them to bloom again this spring.

  2. Rebecca Cuningham
    | Reply

    I like these very much, Egídio. Thanks for the visual treat.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Rebecca, for these kind words.

  3. Pamela Zmija Photography
    | Reply

    Beautiful! The spikes look like they are jumping out!

  4. Anita
    | Reply

    Beautiful shots, Egídio! The Buttonbush is such a fascinating plant, and your close-ups really show why.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks, Anita. I like seeing that flower and the pollinators it attracts, too.

  5. Leanne Cole
    | Reply

    What an amazing plant Egidio, the photos are fantastic.

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks for your kind words, Leanne. Much appreciated.

  6. Hammad Rais
    | Reply

    Such a beautiful flower

  7. Brian Scott
    | Reply

    Really nice set of shots Egidio and a beautiful plant

  8. Steve Schwartzman
    | Reply

    While buttons today are mostly disk-shaped, in the 1800s, when this plant came to be called buttonbush, buttons were more often spherical.

  9. margaret21
    | Reply

    Exraordinary to see these ‘buttons’ at every stage of development in a single shot!

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thanks for pointing that out, Margaret.

  10. Terri Webster Schrandt
    | Reply

    Tiny beauties, Egidio! I love how you framed each shot! Cute as a button! 😀❤️

  11. philosophy through photography
    | Reply

    Nature really does sneak science into the garden.
    Those round blooms look like tiny galaxies pretending to be flowers.
    Beautiful capture and detail, Egidio.

  12. tblily☕︎
    | Reply

    I agree, great capture ! I like the name of it too. 🙂

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Thank you. I’m glad you liked the post.

  13. Pepper
    | Reply

    The buttonbush is one of my favorites. Great captures! 😊

    • Egidio Leitao
      | Reply

      Mine, too. Thanks for writing. I love seeing them with pollinators.

  14. marina
    | Reply

    It IS cute as a button!!!!

  15. Anne Sandler
    | Reply

    They are cute as a button. Great images Egidio.

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