Many people consider food plots but dont always consider other beneficial tree’s shrubs and plants. By developing areas that benefit wildlife you will attract and retain wildlife much better than just planting food plots. One way to do this is to plant beneficial shrubs and woody plants that not only provide cover but also browse material.
The buttonbush is a great brushy shrub that enjoys damp areas and soil that is not well drained which include stream edging, lakes and low lying areas that do not drain well. The buttonbush can grow to roughly 12-15′ in height in perfect conditions but in most cases range from 4-6′ to around 8′ in height. The plant produces white flowers from June through August which then produce seed ponds eaten by a variety of wildlife. Deer tend to browse the tips and use the buttonbush for cover when tightly planted.
At a glance:
- Size can vary from 4-6′ to as high as 12′ plus
- Likes damp soils and areas that do not drain – lake edges, streams etc
- Full sun to part shade
- Deer tend to browse and use for bedding/cover when tightly planted
