Boneset

Boneset

Botanical name: Eupatorium perfoliatum

Bloom type: Perennial 

Boneset is a large herbaceous, clump-forming rhizomatous perennial herb in the aster (Asteraceae) family that is native to the eastern USA and Canada and as far west as TX, NB 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 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. 

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.

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

No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage may scorch if soils are allowed to dry out.

Bloom Type: Boneset has small white flowers that appear in late summer and fall. 

Boneset has been used traditionally in herbal medicine as an immune stimulant and diaphoretic that helps fight off minor viral infections, such as the common cold. 

The leaves and tops being gathered after flowering has commenced. They contain a volatile oil, some tannic acid, and Eupatorin, a bitter glucosidal principle, also resin, gum and sugar. The virtues of the plant are yielded both to water and alcohol.