Common Boneset

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 8

Eupatorium perfoliatum is a North American native plant, perfect for damp, woodsy garden areas. The frothy masses of white flowers attract beneficial pollinators and butterflies like mad. This herbaceous perennial is native to streambanks and meadows of the Midwest. Rain gardens, pond areas, cottage, and woodland gardens are great homes for Common Boneset to display its blooms and deep-green foliage. Although it is known to be a traditional medicine plant, all parts of the Common Boneset are toxic.

Common Boneset looks great massed in large groups or left to spread in open areas of the garden. The blooms last late into the summer after many other perennials have finished, while the deep-green foliage stays fresh and inviting from spring to fall. The late flowers make a perfect food source for honeybees preparing their hives for the winter. Boneset looks great massed in large groups or left to spread in open areas of the garden. Maintenance for this native is almost zero, with little to no fertilizing required.

Common Boneset Care

Plant Boneset in a position that has naturally moist, well-draining soil. Next to a stream bed or near a boggy area is perfect. The soil pH needs to be as close to neutral as possible, but the soil texture can include clay to sandy types. Boneset tolerates part shade but not dry shade like under pine or deciduous trees. Supplement the rainfall with at least 1 inch of water a week, using drip irrigation or soaker hoses. Watering will need to be supplemented during periods of hot and dry weather during the summer. Common Boneset will benefit from annual mulching around the root zone with organic compost or shredded leaves. 

No pruning or special maintenance is required. Cleaning up spent top growth in late winter or early spring is the only upkeep needed. During winter, non-migrating birds and other wildlife enjoy the seed heads and stems. Boneset is easily multiplied by root division every 2-3 years. This dividing helps to remove older parts of the plant and encourages healthy, vigorous, new growth.

Common Boneset Spacing

The mature spread of Boneset is a compact 2 feet with a height of 4 feet. Plant at a spacing of 3 feet on center between plants.