Alternate name: Common Boneset
Family: Asteraceae, Aster view all from this family
Description Hairy plant with dense flat-topped clusters of many dull-white flowers.
Flowers: heads to 1/4" (6 mm) long.
Leaves: 4-8" (10-20 cm) long, opposite, lanceolate, wrinkled, toothed; united at base as to completely surround stem.
Height: 2-4' (60-120 cm).
Flower July-October.
Habitat Low woods and wet meadows.
Range Throughout East, except far north.
Discussion As suggested by the Latin species name, the stem appears to be growing through the leaf. To early herb doctors, this indicated the plant would be useful in setting bones, so its leaves were wrapped with bandages around splints. The dried leaves have also been used to make a tonic, boneset tea, thought effective in treating colds, coughs, and constipation. Upland Boneset (E. sessilifolium is somewhat similar, but its leaves are not fused at the base.
