SafePlants

Buddleja globosa: The Orange Ball Tree

Buddleja globosa, commonly known as the Orange Ball Tree (or Orange Ball Buddleja), is a striking shrub admired for its unique, spherical flower clusters. This plant is a popular choice for gardens due to its ease of cultivation and attractive blooms.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces a sap.
• The plant has tightly packed, ball-shaped clusters of tiny flowers, which may be tempting to investigate or ingest.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces a sap.
• The plant has tightly packed, ball-shaped clusters of tiny flowers, which may be tempting to investigate or ingest.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Buddleja globosa
• Common Names: Orange Ball Tree, Orange Ball Buddleja, Butterfly Bush
• Family: Buddleiaceae
• Synonyms: Buddleja globosa
• Authority: Hope
• Rank: Species
• Name Form: Well-formed
• Taxon Version Key: NBNSYS0000014964

Distribution and Habitat

Buddleja globosa is endemic to Chile and Argentina, where it thrives in both dry and moist forest environments. It is found at altitudes up to 2000 meters.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Buddleja globosa is a hardy, deciduous shrub.
• It is a fast-growing plant that can reach a significant size (grows 10-15' X 8-12').
• It is a large dioecious shrub typically less than 5 meters tall.
• The plant has grey fissured bark.
• The plant has stems of handsome veined dark green leaves, up to 20 cm long.
• The flowers are golden lemony yellow-orange, ball-shaped clusters.
• Each globe is covered in a few dozen closely-packed orange tubular flowers radiating from a central point.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers are sometimes described as having a golf-ball like appearance due to their shape and size.
• In Welsh, one of the common names is "coeden-fl peli oren".

Ecological Role

This plant is often referred to as a "Butterfly Bush," suggesting its attraction to butterflies and potential role in supporting pollinator populations.

Traditional Uses

• Orange Ball Tree has been traditionally used in natural medicine for the treatment of wounds, rashes, bites, burns, hot spots, and dry paws.