Common Boneset – An Amazing Native For Pollinators

Boneset is a wildflower native to North America. Scientifically known as Eupatorium perfoliatum, it produces numerous clusters of white flowers that attract huge amounts of bees, butterflies, and wasps. Preferring full sun to part shade and moist environments, it can grow 3-6′ depending on conditions. An aggressive plant, it spreads via rhizomes^[1][2].

One of the powerhouses of native plants, Boneset will attract literally dozens of species of pollinators. The white flowers just seem to draw in all manner of bee and butterfly, as it produces copious amounts of nectar. So if you are gardening for wildlife, you should consider adding it to your garden.

But beyond the pollinators, it is just pretty. The foliage looks great all season, and the flowers are absolutely beautiful. Seeing a colony of Boneset along a creek in the Appalachian mountains is a beautiful site with it’s showy white flowers contrasting against the dark green foliage. But the individual blooms examined up close are beautiful as well, as they have an almost hairy-like structure. It can be a great addition to any garden provided it either has space to grow, or you don’t mind some spreading.

Facts

• The common name, Boneset comes from the belief that this plant could be used to treat broken bones and arthritis
• A member of the Eupatorium genus, it is closely related to White Snakeroot, Joe Pye Weed, and Late Boneset
• Used for literally thousands of years by Native Americans medicinally – primarily for treating colds, flu, and as a disinfectant.
• Boneset extracts can be purchased as a homeopathic supplement. Although too much could possibly damage the liver as well as other side effects^[3].
• The most widespread of the Eupatorium genus, Common Boneset is native to roughly half of North America^[1].

Native Range

Boneset has a wide distribution in North America. It is native from East Texas and Florida up to Manitoba and New Brunswick Canada^[1].

Reference Table

Scientific Name	Eupatorium perfoliatum
Common Name(s)	Boneset, Common Boneset, Thoroughwort, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Agueweed
Native Range, USDA Zone	Eastern North America, USDA hardiness zones 3-8
Bloom Time	Summer to Fall
Bloom Duration, Color	4-8 weeks, White
Height	3-6′ tall
Spacing / Spread	3-4′
Light Requirements	Full sun to part-shade
Soil Types	Sandy-loam to clay loam, with plenty of organic matter
Moisture	Wet to medium-moist
Fauna Associations / Larval Hosts	Dozens of species of pollinators / Hosts several species of moth

Pros and Cons

Pro

Beauty

The clusters of white flowers growing at the top of the stalks are attractive, and they persist for a very long time! These can be stunning along a forest, creek, or pond border.

Wildlife

Common Boneset, like other members of the Eupatorium genus attract numerous species of pollinators. And I mean numerous! Charles Robertson in his amazing 1929 study observed nearly 100 different species of bees and butterflies visiting Boneset^[4].

Wet conditions

Thriving in moist to wet soil, this is one of the best choices for rain gardens, low spots, or near water features. It can even tolerate some occasional flooding and clay soil!

Medicinal

Boneset has been used medicinally for thousands of years by Native Americans, followed by settlers to treat pain, colds, and arthritis. Herbal extracts can even be purchased today. Although I would caution you to do your own research before consuming them or any part of the plant, as too much can result in bad side effects as an emetic or possible liver damage ^[2][3]. However, – please be aware that if you try to forage this plant, it can be confused with White Snakeroot, one of the deadliest native plants in North America.

Cons

Aggressive

There is one primary drawback for Common Boneset – it spreads. And I don’t mean as a clump-forming flower – I mean far and wide like Goldenrod! This plant spreads via rhizomes and will pop up around your garden, so it’s best to keep it to more wild areas

Identification and Characteristics

Stalk

The main central stem of Boneset is covered in white hairs, round, and green. It optimum conditions it is possible for the plant to grow up to 6′ tall. However, that is quite rare, and you will most often find it to be 3-4′ tall^[5].

Leaf

It has opposite leaves along the stalk that are lanceolate in shape with serrated margins, and can grow up to 8″ long by 2″ wide. The base of the leaves are joined at the stem giving it a very unique and readily identifiable feature. There are also prominent veins and texturing^[5].

Flower

Near the top, clusters of white flowerheads form. The overall inflorescence is 4-10″ wide, with individual flowerheads being roughly 1/8″-3-16″ diameter (3-4 mm).

Root

The roots system of Boneset is fibrous and produces aggressive rhizomes. This often results in colonies being formed, particularly in disturbed areas.

Boneset versus Late Boneset

Common names are often confusing, and it doesn’t help that there is a closely related, similar looking cousin called Late Boneset (Eupatorium serotinum)! Now, as you can probably guess Late Boneset blooms later than Common Boneset. But, Late Boneset also typically prefers drier environments, so the habitat is often a bit different. However, the primary way to differentiate Late Boneset and Common Boneset is the leaves. Late Boneset leaves are attached to the central stalk with a stem, while Boneset leaves are joined at the base.

Growing Conditions

Sunlight Requirements

Boneset will grow best in full sun (assuming the soil never dries out) but can take part-sun and part-shade as well.

Soil Requirements

Common Boneset prefers plenty of organic matter in the soil as well as wet to moist soil. It can tolerate medium moisture, but know that this plant is not drought tolerant!

Moisture Requirements

For moisture, wet to medium soil is preferred.

Maintenance

The primary maintenance for Boneset is to thin it out if it is planted in formal flowerbeds. Other than that this plant is generally disease and pest free.

Fertilizer

Boneset will not require fertilizer of any time

How to save seed from Common Boneset

Approximately 4 weeks after blooming in early Fall, the white flowers will be replaced by small seeds with a tuft of hair on them. On a dry day, go out and cut off the entire flowerhead and place it in a brown paper bag. Leave the bag to dry in a garage or other cool dry place for approximately one week.

After one week, vigorously shake the bag and the seed will separate form the flowerheads. Then, store the seed in a sealed plastic container in the fridge until you are ready to winter sow.

How to grow Common Boneset from Seed

Common Boneset seeds require a 21-90 day cold-moist stratification to germinate^[2], as well as exposure to sunlight. To achieve the cold moist stratification, you can either use the refrigerator in a moist-paper towel or just winter sow.

While either method of stratification will work, Winter Sowing is my preferred method, as it will remove any risk of mold (unlike the fridge).

But, to plant Boneset seed after stratification (or if Winter Sowing) simply fill a suitable container with moist potting soil or seed-starting mix. Scatter the Boneset seed on top of the soil and press it in with your thumb, but make sure it isn’t covered by soil! This will ensure good contact with the soil but still allow exposure to UV radiation, which is necessary for germination.

About 1-2 months after germination, once there are about 3 sets of true leaves, you can thin or separate seedlings, and then transplant the seedling to a larger container or to it’s final location.

Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases associated with Common Boneset

Pollinators

Boneset has been documented to attract over 50 species of bee/wasp and numerous species of butterflies. It really is a pollinator magnet! Additionally it hosts several species of moth caterpillar who will feed on the foliage. These include the Burdock Borer, Clymene Moth, Three-lined Flower Moth, and Lined Ruby Tiger Moth^[2][6].

Birds

Swamp Sparrows have been known to eat the seeds of Boneset.

Deer and Rabbits

Deer and rabbits typically avoid the foliage of Boneset.

Where you can buy Common Boneset

Common Boneset is not typically sold in nurseries, as it isn’t a typical ‘garden friendly’ plant. But it can be purchased at specialty nurseries that deal in Native Plants. You can find native plant nurseries near you on our interactive map.

Where to buy seeds

We have ordered a variety of native flower seeds from Everwilde Farms, which you can order right from Amazon through our link on our RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS PAGE. (We may earn a small commission when you purchase through our links, at no cost to you. This helps support our website.)

Uses of Common Boneset

Garden Uses

Can you say rain garden? Yes – this plant is one of the perfect choices for a rain garden or other low-lying area where water can typically collect. It does great along stream/pond banks and near other water features.

Companion Plants

Plant Common Boneset with other moisture loving perennials such as Blue Lobelia, Bee Balm, Cardinal Flower, Ironweed, Joe Pye Weed, Sneeze Weed, and Tall Sunflower for some amazing color contrasts.

Medicinal Uses

There have been numerous medicinal uses of the leaves and flowers of Boneset throughout the centuries. Mostly used for treating colds, flue, and reducing fevers, it had a panacea of uses by many different tribes^[7].

In modern times, particularly in Europe, boneset extracts and oils can be purchased for homeopathic uses. These are often recommended for cold/fever treatments^[4]. Again, too much boneset can be linked to liver damage and other harmful side effects. So, consume at your own risk. Furthermore, if one forages, be absolutely sure of your identification. The flowerheads of Boneset closely resemble that of White Snakeroot, a deadly plant that has the same range and similar conditions.

Summary

Boneset is an incredible plant for wildlife native to North America. Although aggressive, it should be considered a must-have for those who are mainly gardening for wildlife. Attractive from a distance or up close, this plant can bring many benefits in the proper setting.

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