On a walk in the woods this weekend, I stumbled across a large patch of Eupatorium perfoliatum in full bloom. The common name for this beautiful native is Boneset. Early Americans thought that a tea made from its roots/leaves would speed the healing of broken bones. It was also used in folk medicine for the treatment of colds and fevers. Its clusters of white blooms closely resemble the blue flowers of invasive Conoclinum coelestinum (formerly included in the Eupatorium genus, common name Blue Mist Flower or Perennial Ageratum).
Like Blue Mist Flower, Boneset spreads through airborne seeds and underground rhizomes to form large communities. It reseeds plentifully in Zones 4 through 9 and will grow in clay or sand. In moist soil and partial shade, plants can reach from four to six feet tall. Leaf edges are attractively toothed. Individual leaves have prominent veins and may reach eight inches long. The blooms attract bees and butterflies. Grow in zones 3a to 8a.
Don’t be tempted to try any of those folk remedies. Boneset can be potentially toxic. The US National Library of Medicine describes it as an “unapproved homeopathic medicine" and it is included in the Poisonous Plants Database of the Food and Drug Administration. Just enjoy it as I did, as a frothy white surprise in damp woodlands.
A close look at the clustered flowers of Boneset, with a visiting Atteva aurea (moth).
Boneset has spread into shady woodlands, making a show.