Eupatorium perfoliatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Asterales Family: Asteraceae Tribe: Eupatorieae Genus: Eupatorium Species: E. perfoliatum
Binomial name
Eupatorium perfoliatum

Eupatorium perfoliatum or (Common) Boneset is a common perennial plant native to the Eastern United States and Canada, with a range from Nova Scotia to Florida, as well as from Louisiana and Texas through North Dakota. It is also called "agueweed", "feverwort" or "sweating-plant". It was introduced to American colonists by Indians who used the plant for breaking fevers by means of heavy sweating. It is nearly always found in low, wet areas and is often found near Phalaris arundinacea (Reed canary grass).

E. perfoliatum can be recognized from its perfoliate leaves

The plant grows about 1m tall, with leaves that clasp the stems and dense clusters of white heads held above the foliage.

The leaves growing together around the stem lead to a past superstition that wrapping the leaves in bandages around splints would help mend broken bones.^[1] Boneset also had other medical uses,^[1] and was a very common remedy in the United States in the 19th century.^[2]

References

1. ^{a b} Audubon Society Field Guide To Wild Flowers - Eastern Region - 1979
2. Mrs. M. Grieve (1931). "Boneset". A Modern Herbal.

External links

Source: adapted by the editor from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; from the article "Eupatorium perfoliatum". Image Credit.

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