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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Eupatorium perfoliatum L.
Common boneset
Asteraceae (Aster Family)
USDA Symbol: eupe3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Tiny, white flowers are arranged in fuzzy clusters top the 3-6 ft. stems of this perennial. Hairy plant with dense flat-topped clusters of many dull-white flowers. Paired leaves, united basally, are perforated by the erect stems.
As suggested by the Latin species name, the stem appears to be growing through the leaf. To early herb doctors, this indicated the plant would be useful in setting bones, so its leaves were wrapped with bandages around splints. The dried leaves have also been used to make a tonic, boneset tea, thought effective in treating colds, coughs, and constipation. Upland Boneset (E. sessilifolium) is somewhat similar, but its leaves are not fused at the base.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WVCanada: MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC
Native Distribution: E. Canada to FL, w. to e. Dakotas, w. NE, e. KS & n. TX
Native Habitat: Damp prairies; alluvial woods; bogs
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist , Wet
Soil Description: Moist to wet soils
Benefit
Use Medicinal: The dried leaves have been used to make a tonic, boneset tea, thought effective in treating colds, coughs, and constipation. (Niering)Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Value to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesSupports Conservation Biological Control
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Sow seeds in the fall and plant thickly as germination is usually low. Clumps can be divided in spring or fall.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Seeds germinate when incubated at 70-85 degrees in the presence of light.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Edge of the Woods Native Plant Nursery - Orefield, PA
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, Sally* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Eupatorium perfoliatum in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Eupatorium perfoliatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Eupatorium perfoliatum
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-12-07Research By: TWC Staff
