Buttonbush

[dbrock]

Hey Jim,
I found you a small Buttonbush that I think you will be very pleased with. I collected it last night with a very large root ball and I am keeping it very wet since it loves the swamp. I also put Spagnum Moss around the base to encourage more roots. Let me get it stabilized out and then we can make arrangements.
Dale
I will send you pictures if you will email me. dalewbrock@yahoo.com

[mboatman]

The buttonbush is the tree that grows on or in the lake edges isnt it? The ones i saw today while kayaking the lakeshore had odd but beautiful white flowers(balls) they actually looked like a new years times square ball drop. A few of them had absolutely stunning single trunk bases that were between 3 to 5 inches across. I am going back to take more pics since i forgot to do so today and yesterday.

[lewisjk]

Yes, that's them. They love muddy soil and can live in high water for a while. I walk in a riverside park every morning, and there is one (shrub height) planted in full sun, well away from the riverbank that is in full bloom now. The fuzzy white balls look like Christmas tree ornaments. I've not seen any "in nature" here.

[dbrock]

They are beautiful. I am waiting for mine to bloom. It is still a little early down here so far south (zone 8-9) for it to bloom. However, I have quit trimming it now so that the blooms will develope. I have lots of them down this way. My only problem is that there has been very little rain this year so the swamp areas have less water, but more alligators. I go out looking for trees and there are large areas where grass has been smashed down. Not the best time to collect anyway.

[cglanton]

Great bonsai Dbrock! I lived in Houston, and still have family there, for over 15yrs, I collected BC's from the Kingwood area, but never saw any of these Buttonbushes. Very unique! I make it down there for Xmas nearly every yr. I'd love to have a look at it sometime even though it'd be winter, if you're open to the idea! I also love seeing other people's bonsais, always an inspiration

Chris

[dbrock]

Sure, any time. I live out near Liberty which is East of Houston, but if you lived here you probably know the general direction. Come December you should bring a shovel and container. We could find you one within walking distance to the house.

[cglanton]

Thanks dbrock, that's very kind of you. I'll see if I can haggle an extra day or two from work and get there next time I'm in town.

Thanks again for your generosity dbrock!!

Chris

[dbrock]

Here is a couple of pictures of my Buttonbush in full bloom.

[mboatman]

Cool! I see that you have it in a pot now too. Any problems so far since its repot into the new pot?