Common Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Also known as: Chapman's Thoroughwort
- Native to:
- Canada, Prince Edward I., United States
iNaturalist: © mtjones (iNaturalist #57605925)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Eupatorium
- Species:
- Eupatorium perfoliatum
- USDA Symbol:
- EUPE3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun,Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Reported Fauna Sightings
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from rootstock following fire; benefits from periodic burns in prairie and wet meadow systems.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and along stream banks
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; surface sow and do not cover.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Mix the seeds with an equal amount of either perlite or vermiculite. Seal mixture into a Ziploc-style bag or a Rubbermaid-style container, 1 month of moist cold stratification in a cool dry place (refrigerator or cold garage). Cold store until planted (up to 3 years).
Establishment: Seed is collected by hand from locally native plants in the eastern central Upper Peninsula and at Washington Memorial Parkway, TRI Swamp trail. The plant blooms in the summer and fall. Seed is an achene with pappus and is harvested in the fall. The plant grows in full sun and is found in marshes, swales, wet fields, fens, conifer swamps, thickets, low clearings, river and stream banks. It can reach a height of up to 5' with white flowers.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires light / surface sow (fine seed).