Americana Buddleja

Buddleja americana (bud-LAY-yah ah-mer-i-CAN-ah)

Family: Scrophulariaceae Non-native Shrub (3-15 ft)

American butterfly bush is an ornamental deciduous shrub species that is native to Mexico through Central America and down the Pacific coast of South America to Northern Bolivia. It is also found in Jamaica, Cuba, and the Galapagos Islands. This woody shrub grows in a variety of habitats including oak and pine forests, rocky slopes, riparian areas, fields, roadsides, mountain savanna, and cloud forests. It grows well at low and middle altitudes in elevations from sea level to 2500m. It can reach up to 6 to 10 feet tall, has narrow gray-greenish leaves and sweet scented white flowers with a yellow center. It is reported that this plant was the first species in the genus of Buddleja to be described by Linnaeus in 1753. It was one of its most widespread of all the species. It is member of the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae). This shrub prefers full sun and adapts to most soil types, provided that the soil is well-drained. Buddlejas are intolerant to wet, soggy, or poor drained soils. This species is not cold hardy and can be quickly killed by frost. It is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 12. This plant can reproduce through seed dispersal by wind and water. It may also be propagated by stem cuttings. Once this shrub is established, it requires very little maintenance. The bark of this shrub is light brown and fissured, and the young stems are tomentose and sub-quadrangular. Its leaves are silvery-green, soft, and lanceolate, lance-ovate, or lance-elliptic with pointed tips. The leaf measures 2.5 to 9 inches long, 0.75 to 3.5 inches wide, and its margins are serrate. The upper surface of the leaf is smooth or may have stellate hairs, and the mid vein is raised on the underside of the leaf . The flowers are white and yellow with a yellow center and are arranged in a narrow, 3 to 10 inch panicle that attract butterflies and other pollinators. The fruit is a small narrow capsule that contains slender winged seeds. This shrub is ornamental favorite in many gardens. In appropriate climates, consider the American butterfly bush in a cottage garden or butterfly garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect pests or diseases. Monitor for aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Powdery mildew can occur, particularly in humid conditions. More information on Buddleja .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 61 attributes.