PHOTOS: Buttonbush blossoms at Pocosin Lakes, Alligator River National Wildlife Refuges

Buttonbush, known scientifically as Cephalanthus occidentalis, is a native wetland shrub that is blooming again on Pocosin Lakes and Alligator River National Wildlife Refuges.

The white spherical flowers are visited by a wide variety of pollinating insects. The seeds are eaten by waterfowl. Deer browse the foliage.

Buttonbush tolerates shallow flooding and is often seen with bald cypress and water tupelo trees.

Keep a watchful eye out for Buttonbush when you plan a visit to the Pocosin Lakes or Alligator River National Wildlife Refuges!