SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eutrochium perfoliatum (formerly Eupatorium)

COMMON NAME: American Boneset

GARDEN SIZE: 4 to 6 feet tall x 3 to 4 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 3 to 8

EXPOSURE: Full sun to part shade

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; average water needs, requiring additional water in drought conditions.

HABIT (FORM): Upright, clump-forming, hairy stems with distinctive perfoliate foliage

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; medium green, lance-shaped, opposite leaves with wrinkled texture that unite at the base to surround the stem

FLOWERS: Flat-topped clusters of small, fluffy white flowers (compound corymbs), July to September; good for cutting and drying

PLANT ORIGIN: Native to Southeastern United States including Tennessee; widespread in Missouri in low woods, streambanks, meadows, and prairies.

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: Excellent nectar source for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Provides seasonal cover for small wildlife and may support seed-eating birds. Host plant for local butterflies and moths.

FERTILIZING: Minimal; grows well in average soils. May give a root stimulant or 4-3-3 fertilizer during initial planting, then feed lightly in late winter or early spring with compost or an organic fertilizer if desired.

PRUNING: Cut back to just above soil level in early spring to encourage dense regrowth. Leaving stems, leaves, and spent blooms over the winter benefits native pollinators and wildlife.

TOXICITY FLAGS: All parts are toxic and bitter; historically used medicinally

USES: Rain gardens, native and wildflower gardens, pond edges, woodland gardens, borders, cottage gardens