The white flower clusters of this native perennial are pleasantly fragrant making it a butterfly magnet. Though its medicinal effectiveness has been debated in recent years Boneset was a well-known healing plant in colonial times. In spite of the name Boneset has no connection to broken bones. Early settlers used this plant in the treatment of dengue or break-bone fever which is carried by mosquitoes and causes muscular pain so horrific it feels like bones are breaking. Though its medicinal effectiveness has been debated in recent years it was once used as a cure-all for the common cold coughs and various other complaints. During colonial times boneset was one of the most well-known healing plants in America.
