Common Boneset - Eupatorium perfoliatum

Above: Common Boneset along shore of Lake Wingra along Arboretum Drive on September 2, 2021.

Common Boneset - Eupatorium perfoliatum

Common Boneset is a native plant that grows from 3'- 4' tall in low wet areas along shores, meadows and prairies.

The plant produces a large number of dense small white flowers held above the foliage.

Boneset leaves are opposite, sharply toothed and pointed. They have a wide base surrounding the stem .

Common Boneset blooms July - October.

Other names: Boneset, Thoroughwort.

It is also called Agueweed, Feverwort, or Sweating-plant. It was introduced to American colonists by natives who used the plant for breaking fevers by means of heavy sweating.

Common Boneset is often confused with White Snakeroot. However, they can easily be distinguished by their leaves. Common Boneset ( Eupatorium perfoliatum) has pierced leaves that surround the stem; while White Snakeroot has leaves that are cordate or broadly ovate, and these leaves have long petioles (a stalk that attaches a leaf). And, Tall Boneset has long slender leaves.



Above: (L) Common Boneset pierced leaves (leaves that surrounding the stem) and (R) White Snakeroot leaves.

For more information on Common Boneset, visit Wikipedia.

Or, for information on Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) visit the: Wisconsin State Herbarium.

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