Plant guide

Late flowering thoroughwort.

Eupatorium serotinum

Pronounced yoo-pah-TOR-ee-um seh-RO-tin-um

Also known as fall boneset, late boneset, late eupatorium, late thoroughwort, late-flowering boneset, late-flowering thoroughwort, lateflowering thoroughwort

This native perennial is a wonderful choice for supporting local pollinators in late summer. It grows in a sturdy, upright habit and produces clusters of tiny white flowers. You will find it thrives in moist, open areas.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 6 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist to mimic its natural wetland habitat. Watch for wilting during dry spells, as this plant does not handle drought well. It is very adaptable and requires little attention once established.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer once during the spring growth period.
Pruning: Cut the stems back to the ground in late winter or early spring.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes root bound in its container.
Soil: Moist, fertile soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly acidic

Safety

Pets: This plant is generally considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.

How to identify it

Opposite lance shaped leaves
Rough textured foliage
Clusters of white flower heads
Sturdy upright branching stems

Science

Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Eupatorium
Order: Asterales
Class: Magnoliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Is your late flowering thoroughwort looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.