Eupatorium perfoliatum Common Boneset

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Eupatorium perfoliatum visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
You do not have to be bright and splashy to attract pollinators
Simple is Beautiful!
Need to relax? Pull up a lawn chair, grab a glass of iced tea then plop down near a Common Boneset plant. Sit quietly and wait for the parade of pollinators.


Cultivation Information Common Boneset


Height - 4 ftFlower Color - WhiteBlooms - July - SeptemberSun - Full sun to part sunHardy zone - 3 to 8Soil - moist to wet - Suitable for rain-garden, flood plains, wetland marshes but not ponds Family - Asteraceae
Over the Years - Several years ago a Common Boneset seed decided to put down roots at the edge of our nursery plants. It chose a perfect location, as it settled in under a huge Joe-pye-weed that provides some shade in the heat of the day; it was also lucky enough to land right at the edge of the sprinkler line. What more could a young Bonset plant ask for: water, drainage, sunshine and a garden where leaves are left in the fall that certainly improve soil quality. Who said plants aren’t wise.
Propagation Notes Common Boneset

Storage - Moist Cold - 30 days - Small Zip lock plastic bag with a few table spoons of moistened vermiculite
Need light to germinate - Common Boneset seeds need both warmth and light in order to germinate. When sowing seed be careful not to cover seeds with soil.
Common Boneset uniqueness is in the leaves!

Wildlife Significance Common Boneset

Nectar or Pollen - Bright splashy flower color does not necessarily mean more insect visitation. The white blossoms on Eupatorium perfoliatum attract a wide spectrum of insects including: wasps, flies, bees, beetles, butterflies and moths. Some seek pollen, nectar or both. Host plants - For a large number of moth caterpillars. Some moths do cause problems in the garden, however many are lending a hand pollinating flowers. Some even work the night shift! Birds foraging for their fledgling's next meal are so appreciative of the protein moths provide. Moths are bat's favorite meal! Deer - Pass over Common Boneset in favor of other garden plants. Strategically using native plants that they find less desirable may steer deer away from your garden favorites.
For detailed information visit the Illinois Wildflower site .
Look for opposite, hairy leaves when identifying Common Boneset
Seed Provenance Eupatorium perfoliatum
Nodding Onion Gardens - 2018 - present - Gift from wildlife Nodding Onion Gardens 2018