Eupatorium perfoliatum

Has very distinctive leaves that are long (12-22 cm), narrowly elliptic or ovate, and fused around the stem at their bases (see photo). The stems are usually solitary and covered with spreading hairs.

Propagation by seeds is generally easy. Shirly (1994) reports no treatment is needed while Steffen (1994) recommends cold/dry stratification. The seeds are quite fine and may be planted on the surface. There are 3,200,000 seeds/lb and the recommended planting rate is 1 lb/acre. Root divisions may be made in the fall or winter.

This species attracts butterflies. The seeds of several Eupatoriums are eaten by birds.

Found in wet meadows, prairie swales, and the edges of marshes. Prefers rich loam soils, a pH of 6.5-7 and wet to mesic soils. The species in this genus had many medicinal uses by early pioneers. Their leaves were used as a poultice under splints to heal broken bones, which explains the origin of its common name, "boneset."

Alluvial woods, bogs, wet meadows, and moist sand.