How to Grow Boneset
iNaturalist
Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
herbBoneset is a native North American perennial herb with distinctive white flowers and unusual leaves that appear to wrap around the stem. Traditionally used in herbal medicine for colds, fevers, and joint pain, it grows readily in moist conditions and attracts pollinators. The plant typically reaches 2-4 feet tall and blooms mid to late summer.
When should you plant Boneset in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Boneset timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Boneset
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Boneset
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Boneset dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, highly cold-hardy and adaptable
Sign up free to see if Boneset grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Boneset timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with small oval cotyledons and develop their first true leaves within 2-3 weeks.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Thin seedlings if crowded to prevent damping off.
Vegetative
6-10 weeksPlant develops more leaves and a stronger root system, growing steadily taller. Distinctive perfoliate (stem-piercing) leaves become more prominent.
Maintain consistent moisture and keep weeds down. No fertilizer needed if soil is rich in organic matter. Pinch back growing tips if desired to encourage bushier growth.
Flowering
4-8 weeksWhite flower clusters appear at branch tips in mid to late summer. Flowers are small and densely packed in dense, flat-topped cymes.
Continue watering consistently. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming if desired, though allowing some flowers to set seed is beneficial.
Seed Development
4-6 weeksAfter flowering, seeds develop in small achenes within the flower heads. Plants may self-seed readily if flowers are left on the plant.
Allow some flowers to mature and dry on the plant for seed collection. Leave standing for wildlife and winter interest.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Ensure good air circulation; avoid overhead watering. Apply sulfur dust or neem oil if needed. Choose resistant locations with airflow.
-
Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation. Water at soil level only. Apply copper fungicide if infection is severe.
-
Spray foliage with water to dislodge; increase humidity. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if populations are high.
Uses
Fever and Cold Relief
MedicinalBoneset has been traditionally used by Native Americans and herbalists to treat colds, flu, fevers, and respiratory infections. The plant contains compounds that may help reduce fever and promote sweating. [source]
Joint and Bone Support
MedicinalThe name 'boneset' comes from its traditional use for supporting joint health and bone recovery, particularly in herbal remedies for arthritis-like conditions and general musculoskeletal support. [source]
Herbal Tea
CulinaryDried boneset leaves can be steeped into a bitter herbal tea, traditionally taken warm for supporting immune function during cold season. The tea is typically consumed in small quantities due to its strong flavor. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBoneset is excellent for supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators during mid to late summer when nectar sources may be limited. The clustered flowers provide abundant pollen and nectar. [source]
Wetland and Rain Garden Restoration
HouseholdAs a native perennial that thrives in wet conditions, boneset is valuable for rain gardens, bioswales, and wetland restoration projects, providing both ecological benefits and traditional medicinal properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest leaves and flowers just as the plant begins to bloom for maximum potency of active compounds. Cut stems about 6 inches above ground level, leaving enough foliage for regrowth. Dry harvested material completely in bundles hung upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space. Can be harvested multiple times during the growing season as a perennial.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The distinctive leaves of boneset appear to perforate the stem—the stem actually grows through the middle of the leaf—a characteristic that gave the plant its scientific name 'perfoliatum' and is quite rare in plants.
- 🌱 Boneset was widely used during the American flu pandemic of 1918, and the herb remains popular in traditional herbal medicine cabinets today.
- 🌱 The plant got its common name from its traditional use by Native Americans and early settlers for treating broken bones and joint pain, not from any ability to literally fuse bone, but from its reputation for supporting recovery.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Boneset planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Boneset seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Boneset timeline →