Wildflower - Boneset

I found some Common Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) blooming in the wetland area below the pond at our cabin. This native wildflower is a member of the Aster family (Asteraceae) and is found in moist woods, thickets and swamps.



The flowers are about 1/4 inch across and form large flat clusters. Close-up view of individual flowers that form the cluster.



Boneset's leaves are its most distinctive feature -- they have a wrinkled texture, and pairs of leaves are united at the base. Boneset leaves were once used in bandages for broken bones, since the appearance of the joined leaves gave people the idea that the plant would be helpful for rejoining broken bones.