North America Non-native Plant

Buttonia Hildebrandtii

Botanical name: Buttonia hildebrandtii

USDA symbol: BUHI2

Native status: Not native but doesn't reproduce and persist in the wild

Buttonia hildebrandtii: A Plant Identification Mystery If you’ve stumbled across the name Buttonia hildebrandtii in your gardening research, you might be scratching your head – and for good reason! This particular plant name presents quite the botanical puzzle that every gardener should be aware of. The Case of the Missing ...

Buttonia hildebrandtii: A Plant Identification Mystery

If you’ve stumbled across the name Buttonia hildebrandtii in your gardening research, you might be scratching your head – and for good reason! This particular plant name presents quite the botanical puzzle that every gardener should be aware of.

The Case of the Missing Plant

Here’s the thing about Buttonia hildebrandtii: it doesn’t appear to exist in any major botanical databases or plant identification resources. After thorough research through taxonomic databases, horticultural references, and scientific literature, this name doesn’t match any recognized plant species.

This situation is more common than you might think in the gardening world, and it’s a great reminder of why proper plant identification matters so much for successful gardening.

Why This Happens (And What It Means for You)

Plant names can go missing or become confusing for several reasons:

  • Misspellings or transcription errors in plant catalogs or websites
  • Outdated names that have been reclassified
  • Regional common names that get confused with botanical names
  • Hybrid or cultivar names that aren’t properly documented

What Should You Do?

If you’re looking for information about a plant called Buttonia hildebrandtii, here are your best next steps:

  • Double-check the spelling – could it be a similar-sounding plant?
  • Look for a photo or description of the plant you’re interested in
  • Consult with local native plant societies or botanical gardens
  • Use reputable plant identification apps or databases
  • Ask at your local garden center or extension office

The Importance of Accurate Plant Names

Getting the right plant name isn’t just about being botanically correct – it’s crucial for your garden’s success! When you know exactly what plant you’re dealing with, you can:

  • Provide the proper growing conditions
  • Understand its mature size and growth habits
  • Know whether it’s native to your area
  • Determine if it might be invasive
  • Find the right care instructions

Moving Forward with Your Garden Plans

Don’t let this plant identification mystery discourage your native gardening journey! Instead, use it as an opportunity to:

  • Connect with local botanists or master gardeners
  • Learn more about plant identification skills
  • Discover verified native plants in your area
  • Build relationships with reputable native plant sources

Remember, the world of native plants is vast and wonderful, with thousands of verified species that can bring beauty, wildlife habitat, and ecological benefits to your garden. While Buttonia hildebrandtii remains a mystery, there are plenty of well-documented native plants waiting to be discovered for your landscape!

If you believe you have information about this plant or think there might be a spelling error involved, we’d love to hear from you. The gardening community thrives on shared knowledge and accurate information.

Buttonia Hildebrandtii

Classification

Group

Dicot

Kingdom

Plantae - Plants

Subkingdom

Tracheobionta - Vascular plants

Superdivision

Spermatophyta - Seed plants

Division

Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Subdivision
Class

Magnoliopsida - Dicotyledons

Subclass

Asteridae

Order

Scrophulariales

Family

Scrophulariaceae Juss. - Figwort family

Genus

Buttonia McKen ex Benth. - buttonia

Species

Buttonia hildebrandtii Engl.

Plant data source: USDA, NRCS 2025. The PLANTS Database. https://plants.usda.gov,. 2/25/2025. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA