Rain Garden Plants: Boneset

Has small, white flowers (4 mm.) that form fuzzy, dense, flat-topped clusters. Flower clusters are 2–8 inches across. Stems are covered in white hairs, and the main stem appears to be growing through the lance-shaped leaves. Leaves are opposite with serrated margins. Tufted achenes (dry, tufted fruits) form after flowering. Prefers rich soil with organic material. Tolerates flooded conditions well. Attracts birds and butterflies. Is deer-resistant and is not a preferred food for other mammals due to bitterness of foliage.

• Height: 3 to 6 feet
• Bloom color: White
• Bloom time: July to September
• Hardiness zone: 3 to 9
• Salt tolerance: N/A
• Spreading habit: Clump-forming, rhizomes, and vegetative colonies

Site Conditions

• Sun: Sun/partial shade
• Soil: Clay and sandy, needs constant moisture
• Hydrologic zones: Wet/moist

Sources

1. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
3. North Carolina Extension
4. Illinois Wildflowers

Prepared by Jessica Chou, Jodi Sulpizio, and Constance Schmotzer.

For a printable PDF version of this article, contact Jodi Sulpizio at jrb143@psu.edu.