Eupatorium perfoliatum
A wetland inhabitant with clusters of white flowers
Eupatorium perfoliatum common boneset
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This perennial herbaceous plant has flat-topped white clusters of flowers, is quite hairy, and has long, pointed, wrinkled leaves. The leaves are perfoliate and joined at the base in pairs around the stem. It prefers boggy, low wet areas, such as wetlands, thickets and banks of streams. It starts blooming in late summer just shortly before the asters. Tea can be brewed from its dried leaves and is considered a good laxative and a treatment for fevers.
Habitat & Range
Grows in sun in moist fields or along shores of streams. Prefers full sun to part shade and moist soil.
Present throughout the state.
Range: From Quebec to Manitoba, and south to Florida and Texas.
| EMP: | FACW |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FACW |
Phenology
Flowers mid July to October.
Characteristics
Inflorescence flat-topped branching clusters of small white flowers, 9 to 23 per head
Leaves simple, opposite(occasionally 3 per node), lance-shaped, connate-perfoliate, toothed
Stems 1½ to 5′, pubescent, erect and branching
Fruit dry, black seed with a small tuft of hair that gets carried away by the wind
Height 2-5 feet
Plant Codes
S-rank: S5 (Secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Medicinal Qualities
Traditionally used to treat fevers and as a laxative. This herb used to be taken as a tea brewed from leaves and flowers.
Faunal Associations
Common boneset is pollinated by various insects such as bees, flies, butterflies, beetles and moths.
Eupatorium perfoliatum common boneset
