Plant Profile

American Boneset - (Eupatorium Perfoliatum) is a large clump-forming rhizomatous perennial herb in the aster (Asteraceae) family. The plant has a wide native range from the eastern US/Canada and as far west as Texas and the Dakotas. It can be found in various kinds of wetlands, including marshes, bogs, fens, seeps, edges of rivers, sandy flats and ditches. The plant will grow 4-6 feet tall with a 2-4 foot spread and can form colonies.

The Latin name, Eupatorium, is derived from Eupator, a 1st century BCE king of Pontus, famed for his herbal skills. The species name, perfoliatum, means "through the leaf" since the stem seems to grow through the paired leaves.

Boneset has small white flowers that appear in late summer and fall. The plant grows well in average, medium to wet soils with a consistent water source. It prefers full sun or part shade and tolerates both sandy and clay soils with plenty of organic matter.  It will tolerate short-term occasional flooding. 

Use this plant in the native pollinator garden and wetland areas such as ponds, streams, marshes or rain and water gardens.