Habitat: Floodplain forests, freshwater tidal marshes, tidal swamps, bogs, fens, interdune swales and ponds, stream banks and riverbanks, flood-scoured sandy and rocky bars, wet meadows, fields, ditches, impoundment shores, and other low, disturbed habitats. Frequent throughout Virginia
Wildlife value: The nectar from the flowers of Common Boneset is very attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees, wasps, Monarchs and other butterflies. The Swamp Sparrow supplements its diet with Common Boneset seeds. Various caterpillars, such as Phragmatobia lineate (Lined Ruby Tiger Moth), Papaipema cataphracta (Burdock Borer Moth), Schinia trifascia (Three-lined Flower Moth), Chlorochlamys chloroleucaria (blackberry looper), Semiothisa continuata (Geometrid Moth sp.) and Haploa clymene (Clymene Moth) eat various portions of the plant.
Poisonous to Humans
Poison Severity: Low
Poison Symptoms: It causes vomiting and has a laxative effect laxative in large doses. May cause dermatitis. Potential for liver damage if used long-term. Drying the plant parts helps to decrease toxins.
Causes Contact Dermatitis: Yes