Eupatorium perfoliatum, also called boneset, is a large, upright perennial wildflower, closely related to Joe-Pye weeds. Occasionally growing to 6 feet tall, but more commonly around 3-4' tall, boneset is noted for its unique foliage, which the stems appear to grow through, rather than attached to. Blooming from early summer to mid fall, Eupatorium perfoliatum produces pure white flowers that stand out beautiful against their crisp green foliage. Boneset's beautiful lace-cap flowers are attractive to a number of pollinators, but perhaps most importantly, they are an important food source for the Atlantic fritillary butterfly (Speyeria atlantis), which is considered highly rare in Maryland.
Boneset prefers moist to wet, organically rich soils and although they grow best in full sun, Eupatorium perfoliatum can tolerate part and even full shade. Commonly seen in the wild in floodplain areas and damp forest environments, boneset can be used in native pollinator gardens, rain gardens, wetland rehabilitation projects, and for accent planting in areas such as ponds, streams, and marshes. Boneset is also an important host plant for several species of butterfly and moth larvae, and its dried seed heads are attractive to birds.