Boneset
By Lise Fracalossi
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Native to: All of New England
Life cycle: Perennial
Light: Full/Partial Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet to Medium-Wet
Height: 3-6’
Spread: 3-4
Spacing: 1-2’
Blooms: Jul-Sep
Bloom Color: White
Natural Habitat: Streamsides, ponds, ditches and disturbed areas
Benefits: Pollinator Favorite, Bird Favorite, Deer Resistant, Compaction Tolerant, Host Plant (eg. Three Lined Flower Moth, boneset Borer Moth, Clymene Moth), Flood Tolerant
“Mid-summer bright white flower clusters on distinctive wooly green leaves that clasp vertical stems to create a stately floral clump in wet spots or fertile garden soil. Attracts many butterflies and native bees.”
–Wild Seed Project
“Growing in moist conditions, Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset) produces flat to roundish heads of white flowers. The stem is covered with long spreading hairs with leaves that are often joined at the base, appearing to surround the stem. Many different insect species are attracted to the flowers as the nectar is relatively easy to access.”
–Prairie Moon Nursery

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Photo (and featured image) by R. A. Nonenmacher - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0