Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

Plant family: Aster, Asteraceae

The off-white flowers of Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) are frequently encountered in most wet areas of the northeast United States. It is often associated with sedges and another Eupatorium species, Joe-Pye-Weed.

Native Americans used Boneset for a wide variety of medicinal uses. Pioneer herbalists also used the plant, and later pharmacists also prescribed it. The name Boneset probably derives from its reported medicinal properties; it was and is used to heal broken bones and to treat break-bone fever (dengue fever). The plant was also reported to be used to kill enemies. Boneset can be purchased online in extract and dried form. Take it at your own risk; I’d prefer to plant it in the ditch, in my yard.