Eupatorium

( yew - pat - TOH - re - um )

At-A-Glance Information

Known commonly as Bonesets, Thoroughwarts, or Snakeroots, these perennial flowering plants grow best in light shade in hot climates, but can take full sun elsewhere. Their water needs vary depending on the species. The clusters of colorful flowers rich in nectar and pollen will attract butterflies to your garden. Many species are considered wild plants, and reach between 2 and 10 feet tall when in bloom. Many species are used at the back of perennial borders, and can also do very well in meadows and other wildland plantings. These flowering beauties will create an impressive backdrop for other summer and fall-blooming perennials and ornamental grasses. Take care when planting Eupatorium in the landscape, as some species are toxic to humans and animals.

Eupatorium Species and Varietals

The genus Eupatorium includes between 36 and 60 species and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The genus is named for Mithridates Eupator, King of Pontus. The best growing zones for Eupatorium vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Eupatorium album (Eupatorium petaloideum) (White Thoroughwort, Showy White Thoroughwort)
This species is native from eastern Texas through Connecticut, and its native range reaches inland as far as Indiana. Plants reach between 20 and 39 inches tall. 

Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Thoroughwort, Tall Boneset)
This species is found in open woods, prairies, and fields in eastern and central United States and Canada. They can reach more than 5 feet tall when mature, and foliage is covered with whitish hairs. Flowers are dull white. 

Eupatorium cannabinum (Eupatorium nodiflorum) (Hemp-Agrimony, Holy Rope)
This species is a robust perennial native to Europe, northwestern Africa, Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, the Caucasus, and central Asia. It is cultivated as an ornamental in many areas, and is extremely attractive to butterflies. These plants reach up to 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and produce dusty pink to whitish flower heads. Stems are dark red to purple. 

Eupatorium japonicum (Fragrant Eupatorium)
This native of China, Japan, and Korea forms upright purplish-red stems, and produces white, reddish-purple, or pink flowers. Bloom time is between June and November in the plant's native range.

Eupatorium mohrii (Mohr's Thoroughwort)
This species is native to Virginia through Texas, and reache sup to 40 inches tall. Flowers are white. These plants prefer to grow in moist areas, such as the edges of ponds, and also appreciate more sandy soils.

Eupatorium capillifolium (Dog Fennel, Dogfennel)
These plants are native to the eastern and south-central areas of the United States, and reach up to 6 feet tall. When crushed, foliage smells similar to dill pickles. Flowers have a slight fragrance. This species thrives on roadsides, in tilled or burned areas, and really anywhere where soil has been disturbed. Dog Fennel is wind-pollinated, and spreads aggressively through seeds and rootstocks. Take care when planting Dogfennel in the landscape, as it causes liver damage to humans, livestock, and pets.

Eupatorium dubium 'Little Joe' (Dwarf Joe Pye Weed)
This species grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-17 and is native to the Eastern United States. It grows to 4 feet tall and just as wide and produces large domes of small lavender flowers in late summer and fall. Variety 'Baby Joe' is a smaller selection gets to 2.5 feet tall and wide. This species requires moderate amounts of water.

Eupatorium maculatum (Eupatorium purpureum maculatum) (Spotted Joe Pye Weed)
This native of the eastern United States grows to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Stems are spotted purple, and plants in this species need ample amounts of water. Lime should be added at the time of planting if soil is acidic. Variety 'Gateway' is compact, bushy and grows to about 5 feet tall and has dusky-rose colored flowers.

Eupatorium novae-angliae (New England Boneset, New England Justiceweed, New England Thoroughwort)
This rare, endangered species is found in a few counties in New England. It is a tall perennial flowering plant, reaching up to 3 feet tall at maturity. Flower heads are flat-topped, and tiny flowers are white.

​Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed)
This species grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-17 and forms a clump of hollow stems 3-9 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. Leaves have a vanilla scent when bruised or crushed. Large domes of purple flowers pop in late summer or fall. This species needs rich, alkaline soil and ample water. Variety 'Album' has creamy white blooms.​

​Eupatorium rugosum (Ageratina altissima) (White Snakeroot)
This species grows best in zones 1-10 and 14-17. It is native to the eastern United States. It gets to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with stems and leaves heavily marked with deep brown-red. Fluffy clusters of white flowers pop in summer and early fall. It needs alkaline, rich soil and ample water. Variety 'Chocolate' has especially deep foliage color.

Caring for Eupatorium

Pinching tips in early summer will create a bushier looking plant. 

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Gallery

Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

A video all about growing camellias successfully
Propagating camellias

Resources

Wikipedia: Eupatorium
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 315, Eupatorium
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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