Eupatorium perfoliatum

Common Names

Boneset, Thoroughwort, Common Boneset, American Boneset, Feverwort, Vegetable Antimony, Indian Sage, Bonset

Summary

Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly called Boneset, is a native North American perennial with erect stems reaching about 4–6 feet in height, forming large clumps, distinctive perfoliate leaves clasp the stem giving the appearance of the stem passing through the leaves, and it bears flat-topped clusters of small white flowers in midsummer to early autumn with a fragrant scent that attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, For cultivation, Boneset prefers full sun to partial shade and consistently moist to wet soils (tolerating clay and short-term flooding), it spreads by a rhizomatous root system to form colonies and can be propagated by seed or division, it attracts bees and butterflies, serves as a host for moths, and is deer resistant, making it suitable for native plantings, wetlands, rain gardens, and border plantings in zones 3–8.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

4-6 feet

Spread

3-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, organic-rich soil that stays consistently wet, tolerates sandy or clay soils

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

No single ideal pH; wide tolerance, Acidic to alkaline, including neutral soils, Tolerates all soil pH levels

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Summer and Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies, Attracts other pollinators, Attracts birds