•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Typically grows 2-4 feet tall, with a spread of 1-2 feet.
•Phenology: Herbaceous perennial with opposite, lance-shaped leaves that are joined at the base, giving the appearance of being pierced by the stem. Produces clusters of small, white flowers in late summer to fall.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Blooms in late summer to fall.
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Deciduous
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Moist, well-drained soils; commonly found in wetlands, meadows, and along stream banks.
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.5)
•Moisture Requirements: Prefers consistently moist to wet soil
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Suitable for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and wildlife habitats. Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
•Maintenance Tips: Common Boneset is relatively low-maintenance but may require occasional thinning to prevent overcrowding.
•Considerations: Can spread aggressively in optimal growing conditions; may require management to prevent overtake.
•Edible: No
•Medicinal Uses: Common Boneset has traditional medicinal uses in herbal remedies, including the treatment of fever and colds.
•Toxicity to Pets: The plant is toxic if ingested in large quantities, causing gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Common Boneset pairs well with other native wetland species such as cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).
•Wildlife Benefit: Provides habitat, cover, and food for various wildlife species. The flowers attract pollinators, while the foliage serves as a host plant for butterfly caterpillars.