Eupatorium perfoliatum

Common Name
Boneset
Common boneset
Plant Form
Herbs
Duration
Perennial
Max Height (ft)
4.0
Width (ft)
2.0 - 4.0
Region
Coastal
Piedmont
Mountain
Hardiness Zone
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Commercially available
Yes

Photographer: pjmmartin
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Photographer: margaretchatham
Licensed under: CC BY-NC 4.0
Original photo: Original photo

Additional Info

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

Flower Color
Cream/White
Flower Prominence
Conspicuous
Fragrant
Yes
Bloom Time
Late Summer
Fall
Bloom Month
July
August
September
October
Light Requirements
Full sun
Partial sun
Moisture Requirements
Wet
Moist
Soil Texture
Clay
High organic matter
Loamy
Sandy
Low Maintenance
Yes
Deer Resitant
Yes
Seed or Fruit eaten by wildlife?
Yes
Pollinators
Bees
Butterfiles
Monarchs
Number of Lepidotera Species Genus Supports
42
Tolerates
Earth Sangha Inventory

Founded in 1997, the Earth Sangha is a nonprofit public charity based in the Washington, DC, region. The Wild Plant Nursery is the most comprehensive source of local-ecotype, native plants in the Washington DC region, and the region’s only facility dedicated exclusively to this type of propagation. “Local-ecotype” plants are propagated from local, wild, naturally-occurring populations and are well-adapted to local conditions and for wildlife species that depend on the local forms, such as pollinators. Inventory is updated on a weekly basis so number may not be accurate.

Pots Available Plugs Available Location Notes
59 100 Row 2 View My Wishlist
Carniola Farms Nursery

Nursery operates Arlington Native Plants & Edibles located at 925 N. Madison St. Arlington Virginia 22205. Plants can be purchased at any time by making an email appointment at carniolafarms@gmail.com. Also, during the during the planting season, they are open some Saturdays from 11AM to 3PM. Check their website for datesThis plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

In Stock? Notes
Yes View My Wishlist
Beloved Brook's Ruckersville Nursery Inventory

Nursery is open by appointment only. Email them to set up a time. This plant list if from the begging of the 2025 season and may be outdated. If there is something specific that you’re looking for, they recommend you confirm that they have it when you schedule an appointment

Pots Available Plugs Available Pot size:
Yes Yes

Quart

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Bona Terra Nursery

Small family-run native plant nursery with a focus on the local genetics necessary to restore diversity in the Chesapeake eco-region. Offers free remote design service for small gardens up to 400 square feet. Orders are placed via email and items can be picked up at their NW DC office or delivered for a fee. This plant list is from the beginning of the 2025 season and may be out-of-date

Pots Available Pot Size Notes Add to Wishlist
0 2 Gallon

 Local Ecotype Plugs coming soon!

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0 3 Gallon

 Local Ecotype Plugs coming soon!

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