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Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

Perennial

Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum

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Growing Conditions

Light Sun – Part Shade

Water Moist – Wet

Soil Any

Size 4-6'

Bloom White, Jul–Oct

Why Grow It

Pollinator Magnet Attracts many types of pollinators

Deer Resistant Great for gardens without fencing

Rain Garden Thrives in wet areas & manages runoff

Caterpillar Host Feeds caterpillars of native moths & butterflies

Did You Know?

Boneset's paired leaves are fused at the base and appear to have the stem growing right through them — this 'perfoliate' feature makes it instantly recognizable.

Early American settlers brewed 'boneset tea' from dried leaves to treat fevers, colds, and flu — the common name refers to treating 'break-bone fever' (dengue).

The easily accessible nectar attracts an incredible diversity of pollinators — more than 50 species of insects have been documented visiting Boneset flowers.

Wildlife Value

🦋

Monarch Butterfly Critical late-season nectar source for migrants

🐝

Native Bees Many bee species forage dense white flower clusters

🐛

Beneficial Wasps Parasitoid wasps visit for nectar

Good Companions

🌿 White Turtlehead 💜 New York Ironweed 💙 New England Aster 🌺 Swamp Milkweed

Planting Guide

Plant plugs in moist to wet soil in full sun to part shade.
Space 18 inches apart in rain gardens or stream edges.
Cut back in late winter; new growth emerges from base.

Plant Details

Made with ♥ by Lu Li