American boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum 'Milk and Cookies')

Overview

Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ offers a unique twist on the classic American boneset, prized for its eye-catching foliage color. This herbaceous perennial brings architectural interest to the landscape, especially due to its distinctly perfoliate leaves where the stem appears to pass through the leaf base. Gardeners seeking reliable performance in wet areas will find this cultivar especially rewarding.

The primary appeal of Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ lies in its contrast—the white, fluffy flower clusters stand out beautifully against the maroon-tinged leaf margins, providing late-season interest. As a native plant, American boneset establishes quickly and provides excellent structure in mixed borders or specialized water gardens.

This variety requires consistent moisture to look its best but is otherwise considered low maintenance once established. Whether you are creating a rain garden feature or adding texture to a perennial bed, the American boneset provides height and late-season blooms reliably.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Asteraceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 3-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 3-3.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: July to August
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

For optimal growth and the best maroon foliage color on Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’, plant this perennial in full sun. It thrives in average, medium to very wet soils and handles both sandy and clay compositions well, making it adaptable across different soil types found in your yard. Avoid dry conditions, as insufficient moisture can lead to foliage scorch, a common issue for this water-loving plant.

Eupatorium perfoliatum needs constant moisture to flourish. Ensure it is situated in a location that remains consistently damp, such as near a pond edge or within a designated rain garden area. Fertilization is generally unnecessary; rich, fertile soils tend to promote excessive lush growth that causes the stems to flop.

If you are growing American boneset in rich soil or a location prone to wind, be prepared to stake it early in the season to maintain an upright habit. As a low-maintenance plant, cleanup is minimal; simply cut back the dormant stems in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Landscape Uses

The versatility of American boneset makes it an excellent addition to several landscape designs, particularly those embracing a naturalistic feel. Its height (3 to 3.5 feet) and late summer bloom schedule make it perfect for filling the middle or back ranks of borders where it can be seen over shorter specimens. It is superb in native plant gardens, wildflower meadows, and cottage plantings where its unique foliage can be appreciated all season long.

The requirement for medium or wet soil makes Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ an outstanding choice for rain gardens, where it naturally manages excess stormwater runoff. Consider placing it near the edges of ponds or water features, pairing it with other moisture-lovers like irises or cardinal flower. Its late bloom time ensures that beneficial pollinators remain active well into the fall season.

This plant’s ability to tolerate clay soil and wet conditions broadens its usability in tougher garden spots where other perennials struggle. For those moving toward sustainable landscaping, this sturdy American boneset cultivar provides both structure and ecological support.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly called boneset, is a large, hairy, clump-forming, Missouri native perennial which typically occurs in wet soils in low woods, thickets, stream banks, meadows and prairies throughout the State. Flat-topped clusters (compound corymbs) of small, fluffy, white flowers appear above the foliage in late summer to fall. Perfoliate foliage is quite distinctive: the bases of the pairs of wrinkled, opposite, lance-shaped, medium green leaves unite to surround the hairy stems (perfoliatum meaning through the foliage). Historically, boneset was commonly included in medical herb gardens and used as a folk medicine for treatment of flus, fevers, colds and a variety of other maladies. Though some authorities claim the name boneset refers to a former use of the plant to aid the healing process for broken bones, others claim that the name is in reference to the plant’s use as a diaphoretic in the treatment of an 18th century influenza called break bone fever. All parts of the plant are quite toxic and bitter. Also commonly called thoroughwort.Genus name comes from the Greek name for these herbaceous and shrubby plants in honor of Mithridates VI Eupator, 132-63 B.C., King of Pontus, who reportedly discovered the medicinal uses for some Eupatorium species plants.Specific epithet means perfoliate, having leaf bases that encircle the node, so that the stem apparently passes through it.‘Milk and Cookies’ features unique maroon red foliage and does well in moist to average soil. Perfect for an exposed rain garden, this plant shows the best color in full sun.

Tolerances

• Deer
• Clay Soil
• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

The American boneset, including the ‘Milk and Cookies’ cultivar, is generally regarded as having no serious insect or disease problems, indicating good pest resistance. This resilience makes it a low-stress addition to the garden roster.

The primary care issue gardeners must manage is water consistency. Foliage may scorch if the plant is allowed to dry out severely between waterings, particularly during hot summer periods. Ensure the medium stays medium to wet, especially in full sun locations, to prevent leaf discoloration and crisping.

If flower flopping becomes an issue, especially in highly fertile sites, consider using simple plant supports early in the growing season. This simple preventative measure keeps the white flower heads and distinctive foliage looking tidy throughout the summer display.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is American boneset suitable for?

Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ is reliably hardy across USDA Zones 3 through 8.

How large does Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ grow?

This perennial typically reaches a height between 3 and 3.5 feet, while its spread remains relatively narrow, occupying 1 to 1.5 feet of garden space.

What sun exposure does American boneset need?

This plant prefers and displays its best color in full sun, though it tolerates some light afternoon shade.

When does Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ bloom?

The bloom time for this cultivar runs from July into August, producing fluffy clusters of white flowers.

Conclusion

The Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ is a standout native perennial, offering gardeners reliable color contrast through its maroon-tinted foliage and necessary late-season white blooms. Its low maintenance paired with its preference for wet sites makes the American boneset an ecological asset, especially in rain gardens. Before planting, confirm your site provides consistent moisture to ensure your Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ thrives throughout the growing season.

Companion Planting

When designing a garden around Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’, select companions that also enjoy moist feet or tolerate occasional wetness. Excellent partners include robust wetland grass such as Blue Joint Grass (Calamagrostis canadensis), or other moisture-loving natives like Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata). These combinations create layered textural interest while sharing similar care requirements. In a rain garden setting, aim for plants that won’t compete aggressively for space when the boneset reaches its mature three-foot height.

Wildlife Benefits

The fluffy, white flower heads of the American boneset are magnets for late-season pollinators when many other sources of nectar are fading. This provides crucial energy for migrating butterflies and late broods of native bees. Planting Eupatorium perfoliatum ‘Milk and Cookies’ is a direct investment in local insect ecology. While the flowers are vital for insects, remember that historically, parts of the plant were used medicinally, though all parts are now noted as quite bitter and toxic if ingested by pets or humans.