Tall Boneset - Eupatorium altissimum

Phonetic: yoo-puh-TOR-ee-um al-TIS-ih-mus

Tall Boneset, is a hardy perennial native to much of eastern and central North America. It grows in full sun to partial shade and prefers moderately dry to average soils. This adaptability allows it to grow in prairies, open woodlands, roadsides, and old fields, where it can tolerate drought and poor soil conditions once established. Although it grows best in full sunlight, it can persist in partial shade, especially in habitats where competition is moderate.

Tall Boneset typically blooms from August through October. During this time, it produces clusters of small, white, fuzzy flower heads at the top of its tall stems, which can reach up to six feet in height. After blooming, the flowers give way to small dry fruits each equipped with tiny bristles that help them disperse on the wind.

Ecologically, Tall Boneset plays an important role in native plant gardens. Its late-season blooms provide a critical nectar source for a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, and wasps, at a time when few other wildflowers are in bloom. The plant also supports native insect populations that form the base of the food web, benefiting birds and other wildlife. It is also a host plant for the Three Lined Flower Moth.

2nd Photo credit to: Frank Mayfield from Chicago area, USA - Eupatorium altissimum TALL BONESETUploaded by Tim1357, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22792946

• Hardiness Zone: 4-8
• Native Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade
• Flower Color: White
• Bloom Time: August, September, October 
• Soil Type: Medium Dry, Medium, Moist 
• Mature Plant Size: 3-6'H, 2-3'W
• Plant Spacing: 3'
• Host Plant: Three lined flower moth
• Attracts: Bees, Butterflies 
• Advantages: Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant, Poor Soil Tolerant
• Landscape Uses: Pollinator Garden, Sun Garden, 
• Companion Plants: Joe Pye Weed, Anise Hyssop, New England Aster,