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thoroughwort
Scientific Name: Chromolaena
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Thoroughwort: A Botanical Overview
The term "thoroughwort" encompasses several plants, primarily those belonging to the Eupatorium genus and sometimes Ageratina and Chromolaena.
Considerations for Pets
- Some varieties, such as Eupatorium, have hairy stems.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Common Names: Thoroughwort, Boneset, Ague-weed, Indian Sage, White Mistflower, Havana Snakeroot, Tall White-Top, Hyssop-leaf thoroughwort
- Scientific Names:
- Eupatorium perfoliatum (Boneset, Common Boneset, Thoroughwort)
- Eupatorium serotinum (Late-flowering Thoroughwort, White Boneset, Late Boneset, Late-Flowering Boneset)
- Eupatorium album (White Thoroughwort)
- Eupatorium hyssopifolium (Hyssop-leaf Thoroughwort)
- Eupatorium altissimum (Tall Thoroughwort, Tall Boneset, Tall Joe-Pye Weed, Tall White-Top)
- Ageratina havanensis (Shrubby Boneset, White Mistflower, Havana Snakeroot)
- Ageratina adenophora or Eupatorium adenophorum (Croftonweed)
- Chromolaena frustrata (Cape Sable Thoroughwort)
- Eupatorium frustratum (Cape Sable Thoroughwort)
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family or Compositae)
- Synonyms:
- Cunigunda perfoliata (for Eupatorium perfoliatum)
- Eupatorium chapmanii (for Eupatorium perfoliatum)
- Osmia frustrata (for Eupatorium frustratum)
- Chromolaena frustrata (for Eupatorium frustratum)
- Symbol: EUPAT
- Group: Dicot
Distribution and Habitat
- Eupatorium perfoliatum is a common plant found in all sections.
- Eupatorium hyssopifolium is native to dry meadows and sandy fields.
- Ageratina adenophora (Croftonweed) is native to Mexico.
- Roundleaf Thoroughwort's native distribution covers nearly all of the eastern US.
- Cape Sable Thoroughwort is found in Florida.
- Generally found in overgrazed pastures and waste places.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Some thoroughworts are stout perennials that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
- They are herbaceous perennials.
- They have dull white flowers.
- They have distinctive leaves that appear to have the stem piercing through the leaf.
- Some varieties have white flowers and very fine-textured foliage.
- Some plants have purple stems.
- Leaves can be opposite, simple, deltoid-ovate and serrulate.
- Eupatorium are perennial herbs growing 3-5 feet tall having stout, hairy stems and opposite.
Ecological Role
- Eupatorium rugosum seeds attract butterflies.
- Late-flowering Thoroughwort is a magnet for nectar-seeking insects in the garden.
Quirky Facts
- The name "thoroughwort" comes from the appearance of the stem growing "through" the leaves.
- One entry mentions a classical guitar piece called "Orchid (Fragrant Thoroughwort)" composed by Cheung Bat from Hong Kong.
Traditional Uses
- Eupatorium perfoliatum has been historically used for medicinal purposes.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Toadshade Wildflower Farm: A mail order nursery in Frenchtown, NJ, that specializes in native plants.
- Encyclopedia.com: Has thoroughwort articles, video and information.
- Collins English Dictionary online: Provides definitions.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Designation of critical habitat for the Chromolaena Frustrata (Cape Sable Thoroughwort)