Common Boneset

(Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly known as Common Boneset, is a deciduous perennial herb native to wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of streams and forests in the Central and Eastern United States and Southeastern Canada. It typically grows up to 100 cm (39 inches) tall and is characterized by its long, lance-shaped leaves that uniquely clasp the stem, giving the appearance of the stem perforating the leaf. From late summer to early fall, it produces dense clusters of small, fluffy, white flower heads that are highly attractive to pollinators. The flowers are quite showy and add to the plant’s ornamental value.

Common Boneset is valued for its medicinal properties, as it has been traditionally used to treat fevers and other ailments. It is also an important plant for wildlife, providing nectar for various butterflies and serving as a larval host for some species. In the garden, it is often used in naturalized areas, rain gardens, and as part of pollinator-friendly plantings. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist to wet soils with good drainage. While it is not overly demanding, it will not tolerate dry conditions well. It is generally pest and disease-free but can occasionally suffer from powdery mildew in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 4-6 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wet meadows, marshes, and stream edges

Other Names

Common Names: Boneset, Feverwort, Thoroughwort, Indian Sage, Vegetable Antimony, Crosswort, Thoroughwax, Agueweed, Sweating Plant, Durchwachsener Wasserdost

Scientific Names: , Eupatorium perfoliatum, Eupatorium perfoliatum f. perfoliatum, Eupatorium perfoliatum var. colpophilum, Eupatorium truncatum, Eupatorium perfoliatum f. purpureum, Eupatorium perfoliatum var. perfoliatum, Eupatorium perfoliatum f. trifolium, Eupatorium perfoliatum f. truncatum, Eupatorium serotinum var. polyneuron

GBIF Accepted Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum L.