Historical Marker · No. 492
Buttonwillow Tree
Buttonwillow, Kern County · California
Erected by Kern County Historical Society and the Kern County Museum, 1952
The landmark is a shrub. Buttonwillow is the local name for Cephalanthus occidentalis, the buttonbush, a wetland plant that rarely passes twenty feet and had no business being the only tree on a dry plain, which is exactly why it worked as one. It marked a trans-valley trail. Miller and Lux hands are said to have left notes in it, which made it a post office as well as a meeting place. The town took the name in the 1890s. The tree is still standing.
What the plaque says
California Historical Landmark Buttonwillow Tree A lone tree landmark on an old trans-valley trail. It was an ancient Yokuts Indian meeting place, later a location for white stock rodeos. Miller and Lux established their headquarters and store here about 1885. The town of Buttonwillow takes its name from this old tree and rodeo grounds. Dedicated February 24, 1952 Marker placed by Kern County Historical Society Kern County Museum State Registered Landmark No. 492
Where it stands
35.40687, -119.47422 · Directions
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