While not as large as some of the Eupatoriums suggested for butterfly gardens, boneset is still a formidable plant. Once well established, boneset can resemble a small shrub by late summer covered with white flowers, butterflies and other pollinators.

Compared to the taller Eupatoriums, boneset has flowers that are easily observable (as opposed to six feet in the air as with hollow stem Joe Pye weed to which it is closely related).

Importance as a caterpillar food source: Boneset is not used as a caterpillar host plant.

Importance as a butterfly nectar source: From late summer to early fall, boneset is a source of nectar for a variety of butterflies.

The current rating for boneset is:

If you have experience growing boneset, we would like your opinion. Let us know how it performed in your butterfly garden. Your comments will help other butterfly gardeners in your region to create better butterfly gardens: