Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
SKU:
$1.00
$1.00 - $5.60
$1.00
per item
In spite of the name, Boneset has no connection to broken bones. Early settlers used this plant in the treatment of dengue or “break-bone” fever, which is carried by mosquitoes and causes muscular pain so horrific it feels like bones are breaking. Though its medicinal effectiveness has been debated in recent years, it was once used as a cure-all for the common cold, coughs, and various other complaints. During colonial times, boneset was one of the most well-known healing plants in America.
Scientific Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum
Also Known As: Thoroughwort, Feverwort, Agueweed, Indian Sage.
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): July to September
Light: Full Sun To Part Shade
Water: Medium
Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Boneset flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Containers?: Yes. To grow Boneset in a container, a cold-moist pretreatment at 40 degrees
Fahrenheit for 3 weeks to 3 months will increase germination percentages. After pretreatment, sow seeds in a fine germination mix containing milled sphagnum moss. Transplant to potting mix after seeds have germinated. Seeds germinate at 70 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit and in the presence of light. Use a greenhouse with alternating temperatures (day temperatures 70 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit, night temperatures 65 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Maintenance: Low
Height: 36-48"
Spacing: 18-24"
Sow Depth: 1/8"
USDA Zone: 3-8
Produces: hairy, triangular leaves and loose, flat clusters of ¼” fuzzy white flowers.
Garden Uses: Good size and late bloom for borders, native plant gardens, rain gardens, wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens or banks of ponds or water gardens.
Also Known As: Thoroughwort, Feverwort, Agueweed, Indian Sage.
Native Range: Southeastern United States
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): July to September
Light: Full Sun To Part Shade
Water: Medium
Soil Moisture: Moist to Wet
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Boneset flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Containers?: Yes. To grow Boneset in a container, a cold-moist pretreatment at 40 degrees
Fahrenheit for 3 weeks to 3 months will increase germination percentages. After pretreatment, sow seeds in a fine germination mix containing milled sphagnum moss. Transplant to potting mix after seeds have germinated. Seeds germinate at 70 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit and in the presence of light. Use a greenhouse with alternating temperatures (day temperatures 70 - 85 degrees Fahrenheit, night temperatures 65 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Maintenance: Low
Height: 36-48"
Spacing: 18-24"
Sow Depth: 1/8"
USDA Zone: 3-8
Produces: hairy, triangular leaves and loose, flat clusters of ¼” fuzzy white flowers.
Garden Uses: Good size and late bloom for borders, native plant gardens, rain gardens, wildflower gardens, cottage gardens, woodland gardens or banks of ponds or water gardens.
Direct sow in late fall, pressing the seeds into the surface of the soil since they need light to germinate. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before direct sowing. To start indoors, scatter the seed on the surface of the soil in a flat; compress the soil slightly and keep it lightly moist until germination, which is naturally slow but should take place within 2-3 months. Keep the soil consistently moist, and transplant seedlings as soon as they reach a height of several inches.
Keep seedlings watered, since they need even moisture in their first year of development; they may not bloom until their second year of growth. Mature plants can tolerate drought, though they reach their full potential in moist, well-drained soil. This plant may spread by rhizomes and self-seeding, and can be divided after several years of growth. Cut the plant down to the ground after the first frost. This plant attracts butterflies and bees.
For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water. If using the plant as an herb, keep in mind that it is toxic when fresh and must be dried before use; the health benefits of this plant have not been proven, so use with caution.
Late in the season, these fuzzy flowers will begin to turn dull brown. Snip off entire heads and spread them out in a protected location to prevent the light seed from blowing away. When the heads have completely dried, shake them to remove the seed. The fluff attached to the seeds does not affect germination. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.
Thoroughwort is one of the most popular domestic medicines in North America where it is used in the treatment of influenza, colds, acute bronchitis, catarrh and skin diseases. It has been shown to stimulate resistance to viral and bacterial infections, and reduces fevers by encouraging sweating. The plant, however, should be used with some caution since large doses are laxative and emetic and the plant might contain potentially liver-harming pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The leaves and flowering stems are antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emetic, febrifuge, laxative, purgative, stimulant, vasodilator. A hot infusion of the dried leaves and flowers is used as a very effective treatment to bring relief to symptoms of the common cold and other similar feverishness - it loosens phlegm and promotes its removal through coughing. This herb is practically unequaled in its effectiveness against colds. It is also used in the treatment of rheumatic illness, skin conditions and worms. The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open, and are dried for later use. A homeopathic remedy is made from the fresh plant, harvested when it first comes into flower. It is used in the treatment of illnesses such as flu and fever.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Companion Planting
Try pairing Boneset with New England aster, cardinal flower, Beebalm, Green-headed coneflower, Goldenrod, Carex amphibola, Carex radiata, Switch Grass or Indian Grass.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Foliage may scorch if soils are allowed to dry out.
Suggested Varieties
Bee Balm: Lemon (Monarda citriodora)
$1.00 - $5.60
With a delightful lemon scent and lavender flowers, this wildflower is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds. Stiff, square stems support the tubular and fragrant flowers, and all parts of the plant have a distinct lemony scent when crushed or bruised. Some Monarda species are commonly called bee-balm in reference to a prior use of the leaves as a salve for bee stings. Effective in hummingbird, butterfly, cottage and herb gardens, as well as in native plant areas and prairies. A lovely plant all around!
Bee Balm: Spotted (Monarda punctata)
$1.00 - $5.60
This easy-to-grow wildflower is loved by butterflies! Small, pale yellow flowers are spotted with purple, and rest above colorful palettes of soft pink leaves. As you brush against this plant, the leaves release a wonderful oregano fragrance. This flower also makes a great addition to dried arrangements!