Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset

General

A tall flowering herb found in wet meadows and marshes. Fragrant white flowers bloom in summer. It is capable of forming colonies once established. Historically, Boneset has been used medicinally; however, it is fairly toxic to humans and should not be casually ingested.

Plant Description

Growing to 6' tall in wet meadows and marshes.  Flat branching clusters with white flowers. Distinctive opposite leaves joined around the stem, appearing as one leaf.

Height (ft)
4-6

Soil moisture
Moist to wet

Soil types
Organically rich, will tolerate poor drainage

Wetland indicator
FACW+

Shade tolerance
Intermediate, Full sun to partial shade

Bloom color
White

Bloom period
Summer to early fall

Drought tolerance
Low to none

Salinity tolerance
Low to none

 

Range

Eastern half of the United States, from the Eastern Coast to the Great Plains.

Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]

Additional Information

According to the USDA NRCS National Plant Materials Center, this species has been used to treat dengue fever, and in modern German research it is shown that this plant can be used as an immune system stimulant. Boneset is also used as a diaphoretic and lesser known as an anti-inflammatory.

According to the Native Plant Trust, boneset has been a commonly used plant with Native Americans as a cure all medicinal plant.